OneMetal.com REVIEW:
The Chasm – Farseeing The Paranormal Abysm

The Chasm are probably the most critically-acclaimed and widely-respected death metal band that seemingly no-one has ever heard of. Since 1994, they have doggedly persevered in releasing album after album of obscure, occult-influenced death metal records of astonishing instrumental virtuosity and compositional complexity, facing down such setbacks as primitive recordings, record label apathy and line-up changes with a stoic determination to keep plying their inimitable trade. It has been four and a half years since their last album, The Spell Of Retribution – their first to be released on a major record label, Earache Records imprint Wicked World – which was promptly closed down by the parent company, leaving The Chasm once more label-less. Not to be deterred, The Chasm went ahead and self-financed, self-produced and self-released this latest record, Farseeing The Paranormal Abysm, on their own Lux Inframundis imprint – and the result is perhaps 2009′s finest death metal record.

First things first – The Chasm is not an easy band to get into. Their blend of 80s thrash velocities, 90s death-doom intensity and their compositionally progressive leanings make them a band that not only rewards close attention, but positively demands it. The tracks on Farseeing The Paranormal Abysm, with the exception of the 106-second title track, all range in length from over 6 minutes to nearly 12 minutes long – and fully half the album is made up of totally instrumental tracks. However, daunting as this may sound, the album does not suffer in the slightest as a result. Guitarists Daniel Corchado (who also handles vocals, bass, synths and production duties) and Julio Viterbo (who also co-handles bass) conjure a never faltering tapestry of intertwining riffs and counter-melodies, the songwriting not based on the usual death metal template of riff after riff after riff, but rather taking a more considered approach, developing melodic themes, experimenting with arrangements, propelling the listener on a journey. Drummer Antonio Leon is there every step of the way, matching every structural twist and turn beat for beat, deepening the maelstrom, keeping the listener’s head firmly forced beneath the surface of the band’s broiling compositions.

The production of the album is the best The Chasm has had to date – organic without sounding raw or sloppy, balanced without compromising the intensity of any of the instruments. Corchado’s raspy, croaky snarl is treated with a reverb that pushes it back into the mix, creating the impression of a narrator engulfed by the enormity of his surroundings – a perfectly fitting vibe for the theme of the album. Subtle synth accompaniment deepens the otherworldy ambience, offsetting the churning, serpentine guitars and enhancing the unique atmosphere that the band conjures. So detailed is the songwriting that every fresh listen reveals a new nuance, another eyebrow-raising interplay of seperate-yet-complementary guitar lines, something fresh to be impressed by.

By this point in the review, I’d usually be telling you about the album’s flaws. Well, the closest thing to a flaw on Farseeing The Paranormal Abysm is this: Daniel Corchado’s vocal style may not be to everyone’s taste. But since they’re only present on 50% of the album’s tracks, and even then only sparingly, even that can’t be too much of an issue. I honestly can’t recommend this enough; if you’re a fan of intelligently composed, exceptionally performed death metal (say, Arghoslent‘s melodic battery or Coroner‘s dissonant harmonies), you owe it to yourself to pick this album up.

The Chasm’s Official Website: http://www.enterthedeathcult.com/ (audio samples available)
Lux Inframundis Productions’ Website: http://www.luxinframundis.com/

Bottom Line

An astonishingly accomplished release, perfectly performed and impeccably composed. Pretty much essential listening.