Deadbody: A Pulverizing Powerviolence Assault with Groovy Drumming

Deadbody has earned their reputation for blending powerviolence hardcore with the ferocity of blast beats and explosive riffs. Their sound is intense, unrelenting, and raw, but it also has moments of surprising groove and nuance. Here's a breakdown of what makes Deadbody stand out:

1. Signature Style: The band's hallmark is their chaotic blend of hardcore, powerviolence, and grind. The rhythm section, especially the blast beats and pounding drums, are relentless, creating a sense of urgency and aggression. Their guitar riffs, on tracks like "Horrors Of The Reformed," are fast and frantic, flying high with that intense, almost dizzying feel. The guitars achieve a balance between technicality and pure ferocity, never losing the primal edge.

2. Raw Power and Emotional Intensity: Tracks like "Dead Body II" bring a more gritty and raw feel to the table. The band embraces the messy, untamed energy of their sound, but there's still a lot of precision. The production is tight enough to keep the chaos from becoming incoherent, yet leaves space for that raw, unfiltered energy to come through. The result is an album that can both assault the listener and pull them into its fury.

3. Groovy Drumming: One of the most notable features of Deadbody’s music is the surprising groove in the drumming. While powerviolence is typically known for its speed and aggression, Deadbody’s drummer manages to incorporate a sense of swing, even in the fastest moments. This ability to "swing the band back into a groovy feel" gives the music a sense of unpredictability, making even the fast-paced moments feel rhythmic and dynamic.

4. Tasteful Drumming Flourishes: In tracks like "Six Shots Saved," the drummer adds some subtle flair, injecting moments of texture that elevate the song. It’s not just about speed or intensity; it’s about knowing when to pull back and allow the groove to settle in.

5. Bass and Production: The bass in Deadbody can sometimes feel understated, but it holds down the rhythm with quiet power. Tracks like "Pleonexia" allow the bass to stand out a bit more, giving a deeper layer to the sound. The production quality is clean and punchy, ensuring that each element of the band’s sound comes through distinctly. Whether it’s the rapid-fire blasts of "D.E.A.D.B.O.D.Y." or the more fleshed-out arrangement of "Dead Body II," the clarity in the production adds to the intensity, making every riff and beat hit with precision.

Tribal Gaze: A Modern Twist on 90s Death Metal

In contrast, Tribal Gaze embraces a more traditional yet equally heavy sound, channeling the groovy and atmospheric elements of 90s death metal. Their music is steeped in the influences of classic death metal bands, but they bring their own spin to it, especially in their riff construction and drumming. Here's a closer look at what Tribal Gaze offers:

1. Groovy 90s Death Metal: Tribal Gaze’s approach to death metal is deeply rooted in the 90s era, particularly in their riff work. The opening track, "Let His Servants Starve," is a prime example of this. The riffing is thick and heavy, drawing comparisons to classic Sepultura. These riffs carry a sense of movement and groove, something that feels visceral, almost tribal in nature, but also rooted in a more modern sense of technicality.

2. Memorable Riffs and Solos: The band's songwriting is built on catchy, churning riffs that drive the music forward. While their music is undeniably brutal, it also has an infectious groove. "Burning Garden" contains a guitar solo that feels a bit out of place in the first half, but as the song progresses, the solo becomes more cohesive, offering a satisfying payoff. It's these small deviations from the norm that make Tribal Gaze interesting—they know when to experiment, but they also know how to bring it all back to the groove.

3. Drumming Dynamics: The drumming on "Burning Garden" is tight and precise, never overbearing. The drummer's ability to blend technicality with groove is what gives Tribal Gaze an edge. On "Twitching On The Cross," there’s more playfulness in the rhythms, with some tasteful drumming flourishes that keep the songs dynamic and alive. This balance between precision and flair is a hallmark of their style, and it adds a layer of depth to the music.

4. Vocal Performance: The vocals on Tribal Gaze are deep, guttural, and brutal for the most part, which is exactly what you want from death metal. However, on "Burning Garden," the vocals seem a little too low in the mix, which can detract from their power. This is a small production issue, but it does momentarily affect the overall impact of the track. Still, the vocals on other tracks remain potent and fit the dark atmosphere of the band’s style.

5. Bass and Production: Much like Deadbody, Tribal Gaze’s bass tends to sit in the background, but it’s still an essential part of the band’s sound. It doesn't always stand out in the mix, but it provides a solid foundation that supports the complexity of the songs. The production on Tribal Gaze is clean and polished, with enough clarity to bring out the best in both the riffs and rhythm sections. The sound is heavy and atmospheric, fitting the band's old-school death metal vibe while ensuring that every element remains distinct.

Final Thoughts

Both Deadbody and Tribal Gaze excel in their own ways within the heavy music scene. Deadbody brings an unrelenting powerviolence intensity, tempered by moments of groove and technicality. Their ability to combine blistering fast beats with groovy rhythms, as well as their clean yet chaotic production, ensures their tracks are not only punishing but also engaging. Their music is a chaotic, visceral experience that has a perfect balance of aggression and finesse.

On the other hand, Tribal Gaze provides a fresh take on 90s death metal, combining old-school groove with modern technicality. Their riffs are infectious and dynamic, their drumming is both precise and inventive, and their production is clean and fitting for their style. While the occasional production flaw (like the low vocals in "Burning Garden") may detract from their impact, the overall sound is a nostalgic yet forward-thinking take on death metal.

Together, these two bands offer a diverse yet complementary approach to heavy music, with Deadbody representing the raw, chaotic side of hardcore and Tribal Gaze offering a more groovy, atmospheric take on death metal. Both bands are pushing the boundaries of their respective genres, bringing something unique and memorable to the table.