Published: May 20, 2014

When an album contains an array of different elements, it’s hard to know what to make it as a whole. For listeners that like the less-is-more approach, too many unusual elements might spoil the music. But it’s important that you experience this excellent death/doom album as a whole before making a judgement.

Subterranean Disposition’s self titled is, in my opinion, essentially a progressive death/doom release. It contains plenty of variety and experimentation. There isn’t much ‘brutality’, but that was clearly not the band’s intention anyway. Is it heavy? There are some massive, rocking moments that make you slowly bang your head, so yes, it is – in the way that doom should be heavy.

When “Between Apes and Angels” (track 1) begins with simple, clean guitar notes, it’s hard to know what to expect. And then we hear screeching primates, a crash of percussion, and distorted guitar chords – but that doesn’t yet clear things up. Listeners are not quite going to know what lies ahead until they’ve heard the whole album. Fans of doom, death/doom, and anything progressive and unique, are encouraged to keep listening and find out what Subterranean Disposition is all about. The more you listen, the more you might find to enjoy.

The clean, enchanting-yet-eery female vocals on “Prolong this Agony” were unexpected. However, when they meet up with the deep, rasping male vocals, and the whole song takes off into a more traditional doom style, it all makes sense. Those female vocals do come back on other tracks, adding a  texture. I think people are either going to love this, or not love it.

“Wailing my Keen” (track 5) begins with what seems like an effort to confound listeners, who no doubt thought they knew what to expect by this point. It’s not a particularly odd song, but it’s different enough from the rest of the album to – almost – feel out of place. But,  the final 3rd of the track turns heavier, with a big, stomping riff, you once again see how this all fits together, and it’s a superb ending.

With an array of different influences in one album, who will Subterranean Disposition appeal to? It’s hard to guess at that; if you like progressive music that seems to go on a journey, you’re a little open-minded with your metal, and you enjoy solid doom riffs, you might love this album. If you like more straight-forward metal, with less experimentation, listen with an adventurous ear, and you might be pleasantly surprised by the end. I personally think this is an excellent debut full-length, and can’t wait to see what they do next.