WITHERED -

WITHERED - MEMENTO MORI - LIFEFORCE
There are two matters that need to be addressed regarding Withered's Memento Mori and we should get both out of the way. The band's album title is cliched and overused. There have been several identical album titles in the past few years, not to mention a band using the name in the '90s. More importantly, the band's sound is weak and repressing the group's impact. Memento Mori could have used a big sound with clearer values and sharper guitar sound. The production offers the reverse.
On the musical front, Withered is comprised of discrete doom metal and death metal elements. While the band could be using profound and slow riffing to impress, the next moment features a fast band grinding, walloping and growling. The styles live in ghettos and rarely interact. It is a testimony to the quartet's musical ability that it can pull off both styles. Sadly, again, the impact is stifled because the producer has been unable to allow the burning insight of the riffs, arrangements and atmosphere to shine through the muck. In spite of that kudos go to the band for its powerful riffs, insane vocalizing and the furious drumming of Wes Kever. A better sound is a must next round .- Ali "The Metallian"