Encryptor - Sermon Decay (released 2002 Independent)
Phil Diez is back with his second offering from the band Encryptor. This followup to Drowning in Flesh should be of interest to many death metal fans regardless of which scene they are in. The first noticable difference on Sermon Decay is the increased speed of the music. This adds more intensity to the music and provides for a more interesting listen. The guitars gallop in the traditional death metal style but then switch off and show a more chunky side to the music. The repetition of the first album is not as noticable on this effort as interesting elements such as a Latin intro add some spice to the music. This is not melodic by any stretch of the imagination but if you are no frills intense death metal fan melody is not something that is appreciated in the music. The msuic fits more into the death metal mold than before. The intensity factor that held back Drowning in Flesh has been addressed here and will please fans who like the music down and dirty. Diez does an excellent job taking Encryptors music up a notch and showing while the band has not yet achieved its crowning work, it is headed in the right direction. Vocals mark the biggest improvement from the debut cd. The vocals on Sermon Decay are strong, intense, and very low. Diez shows he has the talent to growl with the best of them on this release. The music isnt quite up to the quality of the vocals but it will be a real treat when both are going top notch. He adds some screaming parts in the music which are a nice addition to the bands sound. The screams are not overdone a la Goredeath but are used in spots. Drums on this release are better but are still raw. They still sound a little hollow throughout the cd but add more of a punch this time. In parts, the raw sounds produced by the drums add some intensity. It would be nice to hear them sound cleaner though. Production follows in line with the drums. It is ok but nothing to put on display. Encryptor is still as of yet unsigned and it would be great to see what Phil can do with a proper recording budget. Sermon Decay is not available as a general release yet but if your interested in listening to some songs from the album they can be had at ww.mp3.com/encryptor. The songs on the album include Cast into Darkness (The Burning), Rebutalization, Sermon Decay, Horrific Engenderment, Vomit Congregation, Images of Tragedy, Everything Must Decompose and Bloodflow Towards Salvation. Encryptor has stayed the course in a scene where just about every band is going thrash or melodic black. Diez shows he has a passion for intense music. Sermon Decay reflects this passion and gives a fine tuning of Diez's skill. Encryptor still have room to grow and improve but it is good to see that the band is improving with each effort. Review by Alex Mull