Review by Jack on October 9, 2002.

It is funny how just one attribute in a song or album (or in this case single) can change the whole outlook of that particular song or album. While many bands use vocalists to be one with the music and not make them a huge standout or anything dramatic, Disillusion are a band who realize that their vocalist Vurtox (not to be confused with Vortex from Dimmu Borgir) is really good and as such use him to provide another dimension to the music of Disillusion, that they wouldn’t otherwise have with a mediocre vocalist.

2 songs is hardly a good indication of a band’s ability, but this 2 song single, “The Porter” provides a good insight as to what we can expect of Disillusion’s full length coming up in 2003. And by all accounts it might just be an album worthy of a bit of anticipation. I realize you can only do so much with melodic death metal, but it really does help when you have a trio of talented musicians backed by the very gifted Vurtox on vocals. Vurtox isn’t the most spellbinding man in the caper but he has a terrific clean voice and roars along with the best of them, providing excellent contrasts through both tracks on “The Porter”. Clean choruses clashing with harsh growling is an age old formula, but if you are like me and enjoy tradition, then “The Porter” could certainly whet your appetite for big things to come in 2003.

I too, do not usually enjoy buying singles, but I would suggest that if you are skeptical of Disillusion then “The Porter” could lay your fears to rest.

Bottom Line: This is a solid introduction to the world of Disillusion and as such can provide as an ample stepping stone and teaser to what should provide an interesting and anticipated LP in 2003. Worth picking up if you have a few bucks to spare.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 7
Originality: 7
Overall: 7

Rating: 7.4 out of 10