Press - Reviews
24th April 2008
Zoom Code review, Satan Stole My Teddybear
Thanatoschizo
Zoom Code
CD, My Kingdom Music, 2008
Shifting every so slightly towards the truly avant-garde metal realm, ThanatoSchizo's newest release, Zoom Code find the band releasing their first album in four years. This Portugeuse act has slowly evolved throughout their career, with each new album showing just the slightest progression. In some ways, this may work in their favor because the shifts feel natural and at no point does ThanatoSchizo bite off more than they can chew. I can't foresee these chums releasing something like Theatre of Tragedy's awful Musique.
The general approach of ThanatoSchizo remains essentially the same. The band came from the same movement that melded black and death metal and marrying it with gruff male vocals paired with pretty lady vocals. As I've stated many times, often on street corners directed loudly at passers-by, this style was quickly bludgeoned to a pathetic mess by tons of lesser bands, most of whom ended up on Napalm Records. ThanatoSchizo avoids being one of the dozens of mediocre bands by crafting songs with good songwriting. On Zoom Code, those seeking a bevy of heavy guitar riffs will be satisfied. And those who like a little bit of electronic influence will also appreciate the inclusion of its subtle usage. For the most part, the band sticks to a fairly orthodox approach, but uses other influences and sound styles as texture and to flesh out the basic ideas. This keeps the band from venturing into Arcturus territory, but helps them stand out from the rest of the crowd. The songs are energetic, well arranged and don't get stale at any point in the album.
Easily the best album under ThantoSchizo's collective belt, Zoom Code is an album that should generate some interest in various metal crowds.
John Chedsey
Thanatoschizo
Zoom Code
CD, My Kingdom Music, 2008
Shifting every so slightly towards the truly avant-garde metal realm, ThanatoSchizo's newest release, Zoom Code find the band releasing their first album in four years. This Portugeuse act has slowly evolved throughout their career, with each new album showing just the slightest progression. In some ways, this may work in their favor because the shifts feel natural and at no point does ThanatoSchizo bite off more than they can chew. I can't foresee these chums releasing something like Theatre of Tragedy's awful Musique.
The general approach of ThanatoSchizo remains essentially the same. The band came from the same movement that melded black and death metal and marrying it with gruff male vocals paired with pretty lady vocals. As I've stated many times, often on street corners directed loudly at passers-by, this style was quickly bludgeoned to a pathetic mess by tons of lesser bands, most of whom ended up on Napalm Records. ThanatoSchizo avoids being one of the dozens of mediocre bands by crafting songs with good songwriting. On Zoom Code, those seeking a bevy of heavy guitar riffs will be satisfied. And those who like a little bit of electronic influence will also appreciate the inclusion of its subtle usage. For the most part, the band sticks to a fairly orthodox approach, but uses other influences and sound styles as texture and to flesh out the basic ideas. This keeps the band from venturing into Arcturus territory, but helps them stand out from the rest of the crowd. The songs are energetic, well arranged and don't get stale at any point in the album.
Easily the best album under ThantoSchizo's collective belt, Zoom Code is an album that should generate some interest in various metal crowds.
John Chedsey
