War, violence, corruption and more war would summarise the themes of “From Strength to Strength”, the third album release by Malaysian death metal band Humiliation. My sources told me in advance that their style approaches that of Bolt Thrower. Humiliation’s web site shows that they are highly regarded and headliners in their own country, which although not generally known is rich in death metal bands.
What really matters is the impact of Humiliation’s sound. Intros are usually just intros but “Set the Fire” has the belligerent intent of an army setting out to war. As we head into “Days of Terror”, I’m impressed that there’s no fancy stuff. It’s just deep and driving old-school style death metal. Humiliation are not afraid to slow things down, in fact this is a strength of the darkly progressing “Artillery Open Fire”. The fluid changes of gear make this album interesting and what’s more, it’s done without watering down the constant firepower and the utter sense of devastation. The slabs are melodic, inviting and lined with sophistication too. We, the listeners, are in the middle of the battle field. I was disappointed when “Counter Offensive” stopped suddenly. The war never stops so a bit more continuity was needed. “Blind Bomb” takes up the remorseless advance of death and destruction that this dark work represents. The vocalist growls on inexorably throughout, uttering slogans and images rather than lyrics: “Air raids – bombs drop – body disposal – blood and flesh. There’s no noise of aeroplanes as I might have expected. Instead we’re on the ground suffering the horror.
The harshness continues with “Nassau”. The military strategy is outlined in detail. The suffering is represented as usual in words and music. Again we’re in the middle of the battle field, this time short of supplies. In this brutal scene, I am reminded of uncompromising and bludgeoning Polish death metal. That’s what this is. From the start of “Preposition of Violence”, the riff typically runs through us as if to penetrate our bodies, absorb us and break us down. The impressive riff continues, there’s a sinister solo passage and another series of words – intention, plan, process, initiation, regulation, annihilation, violence. They perhaps may not add up to anything cerebral, but importantly they enhance the deadpan brutality of this work and commendably avoid the trap of over complex or impossible-to-understand concepts. It slows down to a deathly funeral section, almost descending into doom. The structures are well thought out. The deathly onslaught then continues with “Fastkill”, probably the most unnoteworthy track on the album. “Manifesto of Lie”, which follows it, is about corruption and where there is the familiar heavy riff and drum beat, there’s a more sinister edge than usual to reflect the theme. “Struggle of Wills” follows the merciless vein to which we have become accustomed, before the album closes with “Bukit Kepong”. This is the place in Johor state where in 1950 a group of Communists attacked the police station, and found determined opposition in the policemen and their families. The sirens ring, and the track begins with added force and firepower. Like the true story that it is, “Bukit Kepong” progresses in brutal death metal form, reflecting the warfare, determination and violence that not only this track but the album as a whole represents.
Impressive as it is, the musical range of “From Strength to Strength” is relatively limited. This is all I’ve heard by Humiliation but I’d like to hear more to find out if they are capable of adapting their style. Judging this album alone, it’s clear that the band has picked the right themes for their brutal and uncompromising style of death metal. Above all the technical quality and movement are good. If you’re looking for solid and crunchy death metal, then look no further than this.
(7 / 10 Andrew Doherty)
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