Review by JD on February 5, 2014.

The picturesque state of Vermont is filled with beauty and all of nature’s spectacular wonders. Who knew that lurking just under the sanitized Norman Rockwell setting, lays a surging metal scene that is now beginning to be unleashed onto the world stage, and blowing the whole Rockwell thing away. One such band is Musical Manslaughter.

Taking cues from such notable acts as Pantera and High On Fire, Musical Manslaughter borders on thrash styled groove metal, with sort of death metal vocals crashing through the metallic assault. With catchy, yet impressively heavy riffs accenting every acid spat gutter vocals that are braced by a strong rhythm section… this is the new breed of groove metal.

Impressed with most tracks that were on the disk, the main ones that shouted out at me, was the complex riffs of "Automaton" and the sheer power of "Murder". Each of the songs had some form of catchiness, yet they all held enough power that old school metalheads would gyrate towards listening to ever pounding riff and intense vocal delivery. It was not the best of recordings they have delivered, but it’s still was better than some of the albums I’ve been getting lately.

Impressive would be the word for Musical Manslaughter. Pretty good for a thrash/groove band that comes with a sort of punk sounding name. I will say this album is worth getting, but Double M’s music still needs a bit of work at the same time, but me thinks they will get there, but with a wee bit ‘o work.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Production: 7
Originality: 8
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.9 out of 10

Review by Adam M on March 2, 2011.

Katergon build upon waves on intensity and they gradually progress through their songs. The tracks have a distinctive subtlety present, but aren’t afraid to use an intense approach for a powerful effect at the appropriate time. In this sense, they are quite similar to the band Isis. The sound here is wonderfully done, though it borrows heavily from outfits like Isis. The band makes use of every second of the two tracks present on this EP to create an absorbing listen full of nuances and moving musical moments. They play the post-metal style incredibly effectively and stand out rather than fading into the background.

The songs here both have conviction and style, even though one might wish for more material. 'I Am The Sea' builds up into a crescendo of crushing riffs eventually and shows how to appropriately progress from a solemn beginning. It displays the identity the band is trying to obtain. The title track 'Endless Life' is also interesting and there are few negatives to be found with the band. The biggest gripe is that the band isn’t able to stretch in enough innovative directions with only two tracks. Though there are a few changes in tempo to be found, one can only imagine what Katergon would be capable of with more room to play with.

There could be a challenge to excellent works like "Oceanic" by Isis with a more fully developed release. As it stands, Katergon are gripping, subtle and intense in equal portions. "Endless Life" is an extremely solid work that makes use of its limited length as well as possible. One can only imagine what the future holds for such a promising act.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8.5
Originality: 6
Overall: 8

Rating: 8 out of 10