POST PULSE – Halls of the Damned
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 30-05-2017
Nothing wrong with some groove-oriented death metal from Finland, which is what you’ll get from Post Pulse. "Halls of the Damned" contains heavy, sturdy riffing, caustic vocals that have clarity and depth, plus massive hooks and groove sensibilities that cater to everything from old Machine Head to current Gojira beyond the natural Scandinavian death platform. Even when the quartet go full force into blast beats and frantic riffing through "When the Snakes Are Dead", the transitions are equally progressive and enticing, often rhythmic and slightly djent without losing pace.
Tapani Rantanen has a rhythmic semi-hoarse growl when it comes to his voice, still discernible while fierce during the entire album. The higher string bends and circular pounding for "Final Goodbye" as well as calm buildup for "Let It Burn" are two of the best moments for the record – illustrating the chops and wider songwriting outlook the band delivers against the conventional brutality and heaviness. At 9 songs in under 40 minutes, "Halls of the Damned" can be an addictive debut for many segments of the death and groove metal community.