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SHARDS OF HUMANITY
Fractured Frequencies

Unspeakable Axe (2014)
Rating: 7/10

I’ve always been a fan of death metal with a thrashy edge, and the debut outing from US merchants Shards Of Humanity is one such opus I intend to enjoy for as long as I can. This Memphis-based trio formed in 2009, and have only released a 2012 self-titled EP previous to this seven-track affair.

If you like catchy riffs, solid and weighty drums and above all some excellent melody within the overall framework of the extremity, then I’m sure you’ll dig this.

Fractured Frequencies certainly hints at an old school flavour and for the most part is kept simple, but where this record succeeds is with its ability to explore within the boundaries of the genre and yet not become too self-indulgent. These guys clearly have an eye for writing a cool, fluent melody though, and this is apparent on most of the tracks, particularly ‘Internal Rot’, and the lengthy ‘Suspension’.

Vocally, there is a hoarse bark to the style of Todd Cochran. In fact, his approach reminds me of some of the Swedish death metal vocals in that it is a phlegm-ridden, loose delivery that fits nicely alongside the music whether it is aggressive or slower, more reflective moments. I wouldn’t say that this is no frills death metal, but it’s a style that gets on with the job without being flashy or overtly progressive, and I’m sure that through their career they will no doubt develop a style which they can call their own. For now though, the band has offered a decent set of songs which grab you immediately, and are embedded with some excellent solos and percussion throughout.

My only gripe is that the opus is a tad short as it runs for just over 30 minutes, but within that time there are some real moments of note, notably the excellent ‘Aphoticism’ and the superb ‘Species Ensnared’. To be honest, there’s not really a bad egg in the crate, and that’s something I commend these guys for. If you like energetic death metal that has a hint of Death, then you can’t really go wrong with this.

Although it’s not a groundbreaking opus by any stretch of the imagination, Fractured Frequencies is a record that does the important things well. For some, that may not be enough. I’m sure those picky enough will pick up as to how this record has a somewhat limited capacity, but when one considers just how the likes of Death and, say, Pestilence developed over the years, I really think it’s worth keeping an eye on this outfit.

Neil Arnold

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