Demetori

Demetori – Manenjushaka (2009) – 3.5/5 Link

Demetori – Sendaisoushi (2008) – 3.5/5 Link

Another double feature, the latest releases from these Japanese doujin metal artists that are quickly gaining in appeal, and it’s not difficult to see why. Taking influence from the ‘Touhou’ series of games (as with most doujin I’ve discovered), this circle of musicians have removed all trace of electronic influence from their sound with perhaps only the furious neo-classical keyboard alluding to the tracks origin, instead relying on the strength of their neo-classical showmanship to carry the track forward.

It is hence of particular importance to this instrumental artist are the guitars, the ever present stylings of the lead guitarist running the course of the tracks like a vocalist providing the main draw to the music. Whilst proficient, he often lends little in the way of emotion or feeling to the proceedings, and despite the absence of electronic effects he still feels overly polished in the manner he performs, giving the track life more often through sheer speed than anything else. The bass too has a pivotal role, particularly in the most recent release where he has been pushed further forward in the production so as to maintain the often upbeat rhythm.

Now don’t get me wrong, the aggression and thicker overall tone that the bass provides in the spotlight is of benefit to the music more often that not, but it has the drawback of overshadowing the other members; the drums pushed back far enough to be ignored all too readily and the keyboards often difficult to distinguish in the overall production. The variety of tones they are capable of providing is hence limited to the versatility of the two leads, which isn’t particularly exceptional, and whilst this was less of an issue earlier in their discography, you are simultaneously struck with an appreciable decrease in the overall energy within the music.

As competent musicians as they are, I’m left with the single main drawback; nothing is left implanted in my mind. The music has most certainly benefited from the thick production but when the only variety to the proceedings seem to stem directly from the material they are covering, many of the neo-classical shredded guitar lines meandering in the same tired circles, it all never fails to sound anything less than impressive but is instantly forgotten. One of the better doujin artists? Probably, but sadly not the most inventive.

Highlights: Nuclear Fusion, View of the River Styx; Deep P Sky Dream, Mysterious Mountain

Thanks to Orcinus for the recommendation. Yes, I still plan on reviewing ‘normal’ metal at some point. Two further earlier releases can be found below.

Demetori – Il Mondo Dove e Finito il Temp (2007) Link

Demetori – Jorin Shinen (2006) Link