One never knows what’s in store from a Japanese band. From the 80s hard rock of Loudness to the advent garde styling of Sigh to the wacko noise scene, Japan has a bizarre music scene. Coffins are possibly the most cryptic band to come out Japan. The Tokyo trio plays a form of death/doom that is deserving of the too-often-used adjective, extreme. To get an idea of the group’s influences, imagine deranged, zombie Sumo wrestlers who discover a mixed tape of Celtic Frost, Cathedral, Autopsy and Necrophagia.

The groups that Coffins tap into for inspiration are not out of the ordinary for this type of metal, considering all three are masters of stepping down the tempo, but each group has a distinctive sound of its own. Although Coffins is purely a death metal group in the vocals department, the Celtic Frost and Cathedral-like changes keep the music from stagnating. “Buried Death” begins with a mid tempo, stop-and start rhythm that recalls the Celtic Frost classic “The Usurper.” Uchino even shows a few Tom G. Warriorisms by pushing out similar grunts, but mostly Uchino opts for gore-caked growls.

Coffin’s Cathedral influences show in many of their rhythms and paces. From the grimy-toned guitar moving to the motion of the rotted limbs of the undead on “Under the Stench” to the near stoner rock, medium tempo found on “Purgatorial Madness,” Coffins seem to have stashed Gary Jennings behind a mausoleum, only to bring him out when the group is in need of a dank riff. Some of the slow-mo solos also bring to mind bong-ripping solos by England’s elite doom troop. Other tracks like “Deadly Sinners” show the group slightly push the pace, led by You’s galloping, drum bashes (think Chris Reifert of Autopsy).

“Buried Death” deals death and doom in equal amounts. It is a strong showing of down tempo styles from the mid eighties unto the early nineties. Their harsh production and hard-hitting drums create an ugly musical setting. Just listen to the disgusting fatness of the distorted guitar (please see the comment above involving Sumo zombies) played at a doomed pace.

The only issue I have with this album is Uchino’s voice. His voice is too guttural, causing an utter lack of lyrical comprehension. Fans of death/doom and funeral doom should have no qualms with his low grumblings, though. And ultimately, fans of doom in general should dig this one, regardless of vocals.

www.coffins.jp