Review : THESE ARE THEY – “Who Linger”

These Are They – Who Linger
released November 16, 2009 on The End Records

I was never particularly impressed with Novembers Doom, so when I heard that founding members Paul Kuhr and Steve Nicholson had reunited to form a different-sounding band, there was a slight piquing of interest amidst low expectations. I must admit to being pleasantly surprised how much more These Are They resembles bands like Obituary and Entombed, rather than the morose music ND has concocted over the last 15 years.

After an ominous 2.5 min intro, they start to slay. They work some strong guitar and vocal harmonies, sounding dirty yet clear with a fine mix. Kuhr’s throaty growl is a highlight. His enunciation is spot-on, but his lyrics lack profundity. You can usually forgive that with death metal, but interesting topics like Waverly Hills Sanitorium (4) and Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery (8) only receive rumor-level research, and should be better fleshed out. The real-life references are effective though, and TAT should consider future harvests in these fields.

They rightfully go the extra authentic mile in “Blood Vengeance” with a Native American flute outro, but not all experiments work. The clean vocals added to “The Indweller” don’t lend well to the music, and the lukewarm cover of Soundgarden’s “4th of July” feels like an afterthought. Time will tell if TAT is a side project, or if the Chicagoans will stand this band on its own legs.

FCC OK
Try 2, 3, 4, 5, 8

01. Ascension
02. When the Voices Sound Deadly
03. Upon the Doors of Oblivion
04. In the Halls of Waverly
05. Blood Vengeance
06. Eclipse Abysmal
07. The Indweller
08. The Midnight Hour
09. Resurrection in White
10. 4th of July

Rating: