My first band of the week was chosen because they recently played “Hell’s Pleasure Metalfest” in Germany and have been on my mind as well as on my stereo. Chances are if I played one of their albums, you would ask, “Why didn’t I hear this band a long time ago?” Well, the band hasn’t been around that long. Unlike many other newer bands with similar influences, MAIM has a grasp of old-school death metal: Their playing and recording style could lead you to believe that they may have toured years ago with Possessed or Autopsy. Formed in Åtvidaberg, Sweden in 2006, MAIM began more-so as a death ‘n’ roll band. According to their label Soulseller Records, they started with an influence that sounded like, yup you guessed it, Wolverine Blues. But that didn’t last long. After a short time, they stuck with pure old-school death metal: Seems like a pretty smart move on their part considering their great ability to play it. In 2007, MAIM released a demo and in 2009, released their debut From the Womb to the Tomb. From what I have seen, old school death metal fans have reacted very positively to this release. The album even includes an impressive cover of “Ridden With Disease.” When Deceased to Exist was released earlier this year, MAIM proved their abilities and got a well-deserved positive reaction. Deceased to Exist is actually the first MAIM album I have heard. The first song I discovered was “Gravedigger Sacrifice,” which is the first on the album. Their mastery of the old school death metal style is obvious right away. Their playing style is to the point and Rikard’s harsh, sickening vocal style really pulled me in. Also, in the middle of the album you can hear some d-beat influence. It is great to see a band who can smoothly cover the bases of old school death metal, and incorporate their influence from many old school death metal bands so well, without mashing it up terribly or being just a blatant old school ripoff. The entire Deceased to Exist album is streaming over on Bandcamp, so check it all out.
[audio:http://staging.cvltnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/09-Ridden-With-Disease.mp3|titles=Maim – Ridden with Disease (Autopsy)]
New Comments