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[6.5/10] Prior to receiving a copy of Unspoken Words, I had heard nothing but good words about Canadian act Derelict. If the press was anything to go by, you would believe that after two generally well received releases under their belt (2006’s Ideological Prey and 2007’s Carry the Flame EP), the Montreal-based outfit have finally produced a first class progressive death metal release in Unspoken Words.
And now, after having heard the album several times through, and given the album every opportunity to grow on me, I can totally understand why Derelict has captured the attention of so many. But having said that, I can also say that while Unspoken Words is a strong effort, it’s not quite the classic many will have you believe.
As a band, Derelict (who comprise of vocalist Eric Burnet, lead guitarist/keyboardist Daryl Brunetti, guitarist Max Lussier, bassist Joey Sciacchitano and drummer/keyboardist/vocalist Jordan Perry) are quite skilled in the instrumentation department. The technical precision and finesse shown throughout Unspoken Words on the musical side of things is really second to none, with the constant shift in tempos, the dual guitar work, the progressive elements slotted into the melodic death metal framework and the speed at which the band executes it, are all quite awe inspiring.
But for all of the band’s musical abilities, the biggest stumbling block within Derelict is their song writing. On a cursory listen, Unspoken Words may sound great. But if there’s one thing the album fails to deliver after repeat listens, it’s a single song that stands out as being memorable. Instead, the album sounds like it’s made of small clutches of music that sounds great, all of which have been pieced together in an attempt to make a whole album that sounds really cool.
Cases that best show this are songs like “Summoning the Firestorm,” “Polarized” and the length four part suite title track “Unspoken Words.” All have some really great riffing moments and some small vein of melodic structure, both of which are wrapped up and delivered with plenty of speed and aggression. But rarely do these great ideas seem expanded upon or maintained long enough to allow the listener to really sink their teeth into something substantial.
Derelict have the musical ability, and on the evidence heard throughout Unspoken Words, they have more than enough ideas to really create something truly impressive. But as it stands, Derelict’s biggest downfall is their ability to write songs. If the band continues to focus on that front, then it’s only a matter of time when they’ll finally stand out amongst the rest as well rounded band, rather than a group of musicians who simply know their way around their instruments.
www.myspace.com/derelictmetal
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