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METAL MAYHEM UK Reviews THESE ARE THEY - 'WHO MANIFEST'

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"The End Records deserves praise for unveiling what is sure to be a powerful force in doom metal.  Who Manifest is only a small taste, expect These Are They’s first full length to be a monumental doom metal opus."

DATE: 05/04/2009
RATING: 8/10 Stars
URL: http://www.metal-mayhem.co.uk/reviews/thesearethey.shtml

Although “Who Manifest” is These Are They’s The End Records debut, this doom/death outfit is no stranger to its new label. Members Paul Kuhr and Steve Nicholson played in the well-respected Novembers Doom, which released multiple albums on The End. These Are They also includes Michael LeGros, who played in Disinter—another doom-filled death act from Middle America of considerable impact.

For hardcore doom metal addicts who craved the depressive, colossal doom metal sound of Novembers Doom will revel in “Who Manifest.” Keeping with the tradition of epic doom metal, These Are They churned out three tracks with an average time of over six-minutes per track. Massive, gravelly riffs set a diabolic tone to “Birth rite of the Satemine.” “In the Halls of Waverly” stays at the languid pace of the prior track, but transitions to hulking, burlesque rhythms of the type carved out by Unleashed and Grave. Considering the current multinational flue crisis, the band’s release of this track has an eerie synchronicity.

“The Indweller” is the most upbeat track on the album. The main rhythm on this track reminds of when traditional down tempo acts such as Candlemass and Celtic Frost kick up the pace. “The Indweller” is also the most diverse track. These Are They often change the rhythm and the pace, taking the track through various stages. Near the end of the track, the action comes to a standstill, setting the stage for Kuhr’s vocal metamorphosis from gruff growls to mystifying clean-vocal narrations.

The drone, sludge and funeral doom bands of today’s doom scene often overshadow the type of doom/death played by These Are They. The End Records deserves praise for unveiling what is sure to be a powerful force in doom metal. “Who Manifest” is only a small taste, expect These Are They’s first full length to be a monumental doom metal opus.



Last modified on Tuesday, 20 July 2010 16:24
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These Are They

These Are They

Following the recording of the These Are They debut CD, Who Linger, the band began writing what would become Disposing of Betrayers less then one year later. Recording with Chris Wisco (Michael Angelo Batio, Dirge Within, Jungle Rot) and mixing and mastering being handled by Dan Swano (Hail of Bullets, Edge of Sanity, Nightingale), the sound quality of this release is nothing short of stellar.

Taking a huge step forward in quality, These Are They have increased speed, aggression, and power to create what is possibility the strongest death metal release to come from the city of Chicago in years. Combining the classic style, with new elements and modern ideas, Disposing of Betrayers is sure to impress even the most stubborn of death metal fans.

A unique "nod" to the death metal pioneers, and Chicago native band Devastation, a cover of the classic "Cranial Hemorrhage" was recorded as part of this CD. Making this more special, These Are They invited original guitarist Erv Brautigam and vocalist Duane Rasmussen to join them with a guest appearance on the track. Erv created a blazing solo for the song, in which the original never had, and Duane lending his vocal talent, is the first time key members of Devastation have "reunited" in over 20 years. A special moment, you have to hear.

Keeping with their Chicago pride, These Are They have taken on a local topic for Disposing of Betrayers. A Chicago history rich with organized crime, this is the lyrical topic throughout the CD. Re-imagining stories, all taken from factual newspaper articles, makes this a unique topic, displaying only a very small part of a dominating world which still has ties to the city today. Some based in fact, some in fiction, but all for the fascination in the history of Chicago's lore.

Paul Kuhr says "The process of writing this CD was quite unique. We knew exactly where we needed to go musically. The lyrical subject matter had to be approached more carefully. Taking a topic like Chicago crime history, and still making it a death metal record, posed more of a challenge for Steve and me, who wrote all the lyrics. I think the crushing production, aggressive riffing and drumming, and the interesting topic all came together to create what I feel is an amazing recording. I'm quite proud of this one."

Steve Nicholson says: "Growing up on the streets of Chicago, its 'underworld' was always present. The streets were tough. Shady characters were a part of life, and you knew who were friend or foe. The dangerous subject of this collection had to be approached with tact. Along with the brutal deliverance of the music, we feel the final result will massacre the metal listener."

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