Gorefest is a band that I remember simply by the strength of their 1992 release 'False” - an album that I bought at the tender age of eighteen while exploring in depth the unique music genre called Death Metal. The fact that I never bothered to further invest in the Dutch outfit didn’t really have anything to do with the quality of the above-mentioned release but more with the band’s complete change of musical direction on the releases prior to their disbandment back in 1999. Much to everyone’s surprise, the quartet returned with a new release entitled 'La Muerte” back in 2005, yet I didn’t manage to get my hands on it, so my re-introduction to Gorefest’s music was initiated by the soon to be released 'Rise To Ruin”.

Not being capable of remembering what this band was all about in terms of musical expression proved to be a positive thing, since it enabled me to listen to this nine track release without the typical biases of the old-school Death Metal, and even though I didn’t always agree with some of the band’s decisions in terms of attitude and composition, the overall impression was that of an interesting release. The opening track of the album 'Revolt” is the perfect example of what I found to be wrong in the band’s musical approach – let me explain why: even though the dynamic opening theme and the composition’s mid-90’s Sepultura-sounding thrash riffs blend well with Jan Chris de Koeijer’s Entombed-influenced vocals, the decision of adding a sudden atmospheric break half way through the song and adding the main guitar solo closer to the end provides, in my humble opinion, a weakness in compositional strategy, making this otherwise interesting song difficult to digest.

A similar formula was used in the creation of the album’s longest composition 'Babylon’s Whores”, which is a shame, as the really good quality melodic solos and groovy riffs which are on offer here are undermined by the composition’s ‘unusual’ rhythmical structure. This next comment may sound strange coming from the mouth of a person who loves technical Death Metal such as me, but Gorefest sound much better performing their more straightforward compositions. Songs like the Bolt Thrower influenced 'Rise to Ruin”, the fast paced rhythmical monster 'The War On Stupidity” and the groovy/melodic anthem 'A Grim Charade” may not be as challenging in technical terms as the previously-mentioned compositions, but provide a pleasurable break which doesn’t assist in elevating the overall status of this release.

Every now and then I come across releases that I know I will not particularly go out of my way to listen to but will always enjoy doing so when the opportunity occurs and 'Rise To Ruin” definitely belongs in this category. I am not really sure as to whether this quartet has a clear vision with regards to their musical evolution - something that remains to be seen in the future, but finding again your real identity after a long break is not an easy task. Do give this album a chance and see if you agree with my evaluation.

***½

Review by John Stefanis