Grab a dictionary, because Italy-based Balatonizer enjoy throwing polysyllabic words
around on Occlused in Ottusity. What we have here is 32 tracks of grind in
a little over 25 minutes, which makes for a nice-sized listening session; and,
furthermore, this debut radiates with talent.
Just like all releases, however, Occlused in Ottusity is not devoid of problems.
The drums - though programmed well - aren't the product of a real human. Essentially,
that's not a problem, but I definitely prefer a person's drumming to a drum machine,
no matter how well the latter works.
Perhaps the biggest turnoff about Balatonizer is the too-good-for-grind production
that's obviously found everywhere on this Italian debut. Nevertheless, the group's
individual performances shine due to the solid riffing and indiscriminate
vocalizations.
Still, I wanted the vocals to occupy the forefront on more than one
occasion, but we seldom get that because they blend into the background so
seamlessly.
Soundclips, as is tradition with grind, are utilized quite frequently,
and really add to the atmosphere on songs such as "Caimme," the Scarface-esque
"Anfame," and the rage-filled "A'Cinta No!" It all feels part of an elaborate
scheme to heighten the tension, in spite of the verbal iteration being in a
foreign tongue (for me anyway).
In conclusion, couple all the aforementioned musical qualities that
I described with comic book liner notes (guitarist Failla works for
Marvel Comics Europe), depictions of fellatio on the CD itself, and
front cover art that illustrates band members in a sea of pigs…and you've
got an impressive grind release.
Fans of the genre would be wise to check out Balatonizer.
7.5/10
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