S E V E R A N C E

The following CD reviews have been reproduced with kind permission from the reviewers.  None of the reviews have been embellished or modified from their original source. JP

Veteran Texas dark death metal fiends Severance are likely the most underrated band in today's death metal underground. This is a band who have existed in one incarnation or another since 1989, stayed true to their death metal origins, and persevered many setbacks and obstacles to remain a strong, if underrated underground death metal force who attack with high level, brutal, dark, aggressive death metal. Indeed, the key word here is underground, as many a death metal band who formed in the same era have gone on to achieve more recognition and success, while Severance have struggled to achieve similar acclaim despite being equal if not superior to many better known death metal bands. Nonetheless, the band has managed to unleash several very capable and impressive recordings with time, achieving at least some notable acclaim and support after all, including an EP and debut album with cult and now defunct death metal labels Drowned Productions and Repulse Records respectively, both of course operated by Dave Rotten of Avulsed fame.

After establishing themselves on the international death metal underground with their debut album 'What Lies Ahead' via several versions with different record labels, Severance attacked from the underground with their second album 'Suffering In Humanity' via US underground death metal label Goregiastic Records in 2006. Following an impressive debut album such as 'What Lies Ahead' would not be an easy task, but seeing Severance have always improved with every recording, I was confident the band would succeed as such again, and with my first listen to the album, it was obvious the band didn't disappoint. Blasting with the first track 'Rejuvena-Dead', the band sets the pace for a blistering attack of fierce, highly capable, and memorable, dark, brutal death metal that stands its own ground among countless generic death metal bands in the underground. This is an album that covers all the dimensions of a fine death metal album: songwriting, musicianship, production, sound, and raw, brutal heaviness and darkness abound.

'Suffering In Humanity' is the first appearance for vocalist Mike Mena. A very capable and energetic brutal death growler, Mena is a worthy replacement for departed long time Severance vocalist Joe Vasquez. Mena's vocal style is slightly different from that of Vasquez, nonetheless is equally suitable and  complementing for the band's sound. With vocals sounding somewhat like a mix of old Deicide and Banished [post Baphomet], Mena achieves sufficient guttural power, reaching a suitably low pitch, as well as ample voice and aggressive emotion.

The album also marks the first appearance of guitarist Joe Dan De La Rosa. Considering the sound of Severance has with time become characteristically composed of a twin lead/rhythm guitar attack, the band has somehow managed to always maintain this dimension of their sound despite numerous personnel changes in the guitar department since their original line up. De La Rosa is no exception, as this recording demonstrates a well executed twin guitar attack with both lead and rhythm guitars, proving De La Rosa and long time guitarist Ralph Gutierrez have formed a formidable death metal guitar duo. Memorable riffs are abound, and even more so, the twin lead attack is distinguishable and effective, setting the band apart from countless other death metal bands in the more modern era, many of whom have neglected lead guitar altogether. The rhythm section, comprised of bassist Abel Barrera and drummer and founding member Jaime Perez, completes the band's sound with a highly effective wall of power.

Songwriting is a dimension which remains consistent across all songs of the album, so much so that despite repeated listens, it is difficult to distinguish any songs as highlights or favourites. The band excels in all dynamics required to compose effective death metal songs, including blasting speed, mid to fast thrashing power, & crushing slow heaviness. Adding to the band's distinctive dark, aggressive sound is the use of a dark sounding death choir of demonic growling backing vocals

Worthy of mention is that the band further achieves musical depth via two atmospheric acoustic instrumentals, one mid-album interlude titled 'Suffering', the other an album closing outro titled 'Inhumanity' [a good play of the words comprising the album's title, good concept]. In particular, the former achieves a somber and mournful atmosphere, with mourning female cries accompanying the acoustic guitar. Also worth noting is a cover of cult 80's Chilean deathrashers Pentagram, and their song 'Fatal Predictions'. This is a rather effective cover song, capturing the spirit of the original version, while given a step in pace, and complemented with Severance's own sound.

Production and sound were already mentioned as strong areas. The album benefits greatly from a recording that sounds professional and modern, as well as sounding distinctly raw, dark, and underground.

Nothing more needs be said about this album, other than it is highly recommended for fans of dark, brutal, semi-technical underground death metal aggression, and that it should achieve more much deserved acclaim and recognition for Severance.

Reviewed by: DARKFIEND on Nov. 2, 2009.
Review can found at http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/severance_f1/suffering_in_humanity/

SEVERANCE- SUFFERING IN HUMANITY

The roots of this Texas based band go back to 1989 when 5 guys wanted to create an extreme and aggressive band. They soon recorded their first demo and a 7" become the shit happened. Due to line-up changes it took 4 years to record a self released EP. In 2001 they finally recorded their debut album "What Lies Ahead" which was financed by Repulse Records (now Xtreem Music). Again the line-up changes when want to record again. Before they record the producer got a heart attack and so we are in 2006 when we get their 2nd album. With their timeline in the back of the head you can count them to the pioneers of brutal death metal. On this album nothing new but it is an orgy of extremity. Nice gutteral voices, continues speedings with breaks to midparts and very skilled drum patterns. Guitars are sawing and doing leads here and there. I am glad they build in the interlude so you can take your breath and unpop your ears. And then if you have the energy at the end you can watch the video of their song "Consumed". Great album and I would change the title in "Humanity is Suffering".

Review by Twan Sibon
Read more at www.brutalism.com
www.myspace.com/brutalism

From McAllen, Texas, a brutal release has risen. SEVERANCE play a harsh and raw form of Death Metal with tight syncopations and intriguing guitar work. "Suffering in Humanity" appears quite rooted in the synchronicity of guitarist Ralph Gutierrez and drummer Jaime Perez, who stand as the only remaining original cast members of this 18-year old act. The bass lines and vocal efforts on "Suffering in Humanity" add little consequence to each track; however the guitar work reigns supreme.
Familiar and well-explored roots (combined with some odd studio peculiarities) plague this release and detract from its overall impact. The strongest tracks lack innovation and nothing on the release separates the band from others in the Brutal Death camp. "Consumed" contains dozens of well-articulated and technical riffs, but these have become prerequisites for writing in the new millennia. The drum work follows Gutierrez through dropped tuning and abysmal passages, but what makes the recording interesting is its speed. Gutierrez and Joe Dan de la Rosa pick with terminal veolocity. Surviving the speed wars of the 80s has its perks, and in Death one can never play too fast. Goregiastic Records have two monsters on their hands. With proper backing and adequate studio production, Ralph and Joe Dan could light a few pentagrams while running circles around the competition. Brutal Death Metal has never held a strong suit for lead work, and many leads on "Suffering in Humanity" could disappear unnoticed. A few intervals allow the lead work to overpower the rhythm track, which detracts from the band's effective riffing style and draws unwanted attention to the band's weaker suits. Every thythm track on the release needs a volume boost to assist listeners in noting the band's strengths without distraction of muddled production.
All in all SEVERANCE present a decent package with "Suffering in Humanity", but nothing stellar. Most of the release will appeal to fans of old school Death Metal and those seeking new releases that pursue that same speed cliches. Fortunately for me, I'm one of them. Those seeking something new or a more modern sound should click the back button and try another link.

Rating: 7 out of 10
Reviewer: Dustin
Website: www.metal-observer.com

Whoops, what's that?  I already thought this Texas based Death Metal institution had already split up and then suddenly there's a new sign of life of this formation on my desk.  These guys have been around in the underground since 1989 and they already left a few marks in the scene.  Almost six years have passed by since the band offered their exellent "What Lies Ahead..." album to the metal community.  But unfortunately not that much people seem to be familiar with this fine piece of extreme Metal as this horde are not that well know (at least) over here.  You can definitely count SEVERANCE as one of the pioneers of brutal old school Death Metal which combine down tuned, brutal Death Metal along with some grooving elements and an omnipresent dark atmosphere.  The drummer beats technically skillful his kit and the guitar duo really knows how to come along with fine and complex riffing but without exaggerating it.  And above all the ultra deep and guttural and vocals by front beast Mike Mena rule supreme.  Acutally all would be perfect for a real killer album but unfortuantely the great music suffers a little bit by the powerless production which kills a total 100% listening satisfaction.  Especially the axes are a little bit too thin in the mix.  More punch would have helped here quite a lot.  In my opinion the cover of Chile's masters PENTAGRAM ("Fatal Predictions") also isn't 100% convincing.  But that's just my personal taste.  So apart from the unlucky album sound you get here a quite solid piece of sheer brutality with a technical vibe which should normally pelase all fans into old school Death Metal out there.  In addition you will get a video clip of the trach "Consumed" as bonus.  So you get something for your eyes as well. 

Reviewed and translated by: Michael
For more information on the webzine, go to: http://www.laermbelaestigung.net

Although the cover isn't eye-catching and remains quite standard for the style, Severance's music remains really violent and offered  through the great label Goregiastic (talent finder!!), his most accomplished release and especially pure violence transcribed on disk.  To say so and kindly for their fans, Severance put an interlude "Suffering" at the half of the relase to allow them to get their breaths back and get their ears blasted again and again.  It just be said that everything is gathered to offer a sonic orgy worthy of the masters of death, with on the other hand, technical and straight forward tracks like "Displaced", the great "Reborn Again" or tracks like "Meaningless" and "La Promesa," brought out by a clear and neat production.  I would like to underline that one can find a video-clip of "Consumed" as well as a Pentagram cover "Fatal Predictions" as bonus.  I can only advise you to pick up this jewel of brutality. 
Rating: 4 out of 6 stars
Reviewed by: Philippe Duarte
Kindly translated by: Jim of Putrefact 'zine (France)
Check out more at : http://undersociety.free.fr/

Believe it or not Severance is a metal band from Texas that has existed since far 1989!!  It is nice to underline it, as I believe not many Danish and European fans are aware of the fact that this death metal combo exist at all. Suffering In Humanity is their fifth release so far I'm concerned.  This album represents what I've always thought real death metal is about.  It is a piece of well played old school brutal death metal with this fantastic combination of dark, inhuman & groovy growls and the ruthlessly savage, down-tuned guitars and simply mad and brutal drumming.  Besides of these guttural vocals and hellish drumming, the music on the 12-tracker disc do also have some darker elements reminding me of Morbid Angel among the others.  On the other hand I'm not as satisfied with the production part as it sounds almost like a home-made demo, making it very hard to listen and even more so to enjoy this record.  At the end of the cd, Severance has also included a video for the song "Consumed".  Another important thing to mention here towards the end of this short review is the fact that the band has included one cover of Pentagram's famous "Fatal Predictions", well done cover actually.  Having an excellent packaging and artwork as well as the inclusion of this video, lyrics and many photos I can say that this cd is good and definitely worth of listening more than once if you can just look aside of bad and messy production. 

For more information go to www.metal-revolution.com

SEVERANCE
Suffering In Humanity
Goregiastic Records
49:46 min

I remember SEVERANCE from some years ago as their first full length ("What Lies Ahead") had to be released by Repulse Records, but it was just in the moment when they started having troubles and finally ended closing up. although I think the album was finally released (perhaps it was the last release of the label?). Anyways, I never listened to them until I had to review this "Suffering Humanity", and I must say the first impression was a bit confusing, as, on one side they are playing a quite cool sort of Death Metal, with some brutality in it (especially coming from the drums and the vocals, which are quite gutural but not too much) but without forgiving some dark stuff too, remembering in some parts to MORBID ANGEL, mixed with some Texas styled blasting attacks, but on the other side, we have a production that doesn't make justice to the music inside, and which makes the listening a bit hard, as, although not sounding like a demo, it is not as clear as it should be, and sometimes the drums and the guitars would be much better if they were more defined.  But let's put that on one side and simply trey to focus on the music, and then I can't say this is bad, it's certainly not specially original stuff, but quite entertaining.  As I said before, the vocals have an important role here, being quite down tunned and pretty groovy, with some Frank Mullen's influence.  And the drummer is not bad at all, he definitely knows how to blast but doesn't need to do it all the time like so much bands.  Apart from the ten songs plus outro included, you can find a cover of Death Metal fathers PENTAGRAM ('Fatal Predictions') and a video of the second song, 'Consumed', so the CD worths it's price if you're into this kind of stuff.
Jeroni Sancho
Check out www.voicesfromthedarkside.de   for some cool information. 

Check out this on-line 'zine at www.burningmisery.com  to view more.  JP

Check out Lunatic Productions to see more at  www.lunaticpro.com      JP

SEVERANCE - Suffering In Humanity = Review by Al Lunatic :

To our local South Texas natives that follow the local metal scene; its no secret where the band Severance has been manifesting; But to the rest of the world that was captivated by their 2001 worldwide release cd " Salvation Denied", under Repulse/ BlackEnd /WWIII Records, it has been a very, very long wait. I mean, the word hasn't really gotten around yet that Severance is part of the RGV Underground which they call their home. So in essense, they may have viewed Severance as in and out of the limelight. With the release of their new cd titled, "Suffering In Humanity", Severance has stayed true to the same brutality and aggression that stapled them as one the best damn death metal bands the State of Texas has to offer.

This is a collection of 12, head pounding, scrotum draggin, gut wrenching, titty twisting, shit stomping, tongue biting, soul scraping, teeth grinding, bone crushing, songs that simply define Severance as worthy death metal band for the masses. The record label/distributor handling the release is Goregiastic Records out of New York. Severance has also included a video at the end of the cd of the song "Consumed". Starting with the cd package itself, it is what we would expect from a band that is on a label. Cool artwork, with an 8 panel cd booklet with lyrics of the songs, band member photos and a thank you list are contained inside. (Speaking of which - this type of packaging is becoming the par here in the valley; damn, we've come along way from the burnt cd, labeled with the mark alot.) Getting pass the packaging, we get to a very well recorded cd. Ernie B of (Swig and The Sound Playground) can be credited for the excellent quality of the recording.

The cd opens with the overweigth song "Rejuevna-Dead". Alot of chug chug chug, heavy palm mute riffing here as in alot of Severance's songs. I must say that the fucking bass drums sound like a fucking machine gun! Damn, if Perez would have been in Vietnam, maybe we would have won. The sound is followed by "Consumed", which is one of my favorites off the cd, probably cause I've heard it more then the others. This song has a video at the end of the cd, which highlights 15, now 16 years of Severance's existence. The songs continue, on to another favorite, is "The Cleansing" which starts with a bass intro. This is one of the songs off the cd that includes the "Back-Up Death Choir". If anyone remembers the "Excorcist", just think of 1000s Megans when she is possessed and you can get an idea of what the "Back-Up Death Choir", sounds like. Throughout the cd, the guitar sound and riffing are extremely heavy, until we get to track "06 = Suffering (interlude)". This is a acoustic track with the guitar effect panning left to right. In the background, is a voice that sounds like me backwards, throwing up after a cheap beer induced hangover. Thats "The Suffering" to me. Moving on to track 9, comes "La Promesa". Its cool that the band stays in touch with their Mexican heritage. Perez, being the primary lyric writer of the band, touches base on some the traditions of the Catholic religion here. This one is quickly becoming my favorite off the cd. There is several grind parts in between the triplet heavy riffing. I think Severance has found out that the quest for speed can equally be balanced with structured heavy riffing. It definately shows on this song. Track 10 is The Pentagram cover "Fatal Predictions". I won't elaborate much on this one, since its a cover, but I will say that the band does an excellent job covering it. Track 11, the " Hatred Within", begins, and as we near the end of the cd, I've come to realize that the band could not have done a better job at accenting the staples of their sound by all the perfectly excecuted stops and gos of their songs. This is another song that has the "Backup Death Choir" here. At the end of the song is a guitar solo. Did I hear alittle blues in that lick? Damn, Severance's is showing alittle soul here. Severance ends the cd with an outro acoustic song, "Inhumanity" which is backed by a cello instrument.

In conclusion; the verdict = Severance went all out on this one. Its all here. The excellent packaging, artwork, recording, producing, included video, lyrics, photos, and a long ass thank you list by each member. Did I mention Severance showing soul earlier? Maybe not alittle soul; I would say alot of soul. As for a rating; I'm staying away from ratings now. Lets just say it has the Lunatic "must have", seal of approval. !!!