SWORD TOWARD SELF may only be starting their careers but the band plays as though it is a seasoned veteran of the Death Metal scene. Applying some interesting combinations of the different variations of Death Metal, SWORD TOWARD SELF is going to have a little something for everyone on their debut EP, “Dissolution Mantras”. It’s very easy to hear a lot of parallels to the all glorious OPETH just on this release.

With their slightly progressive tendencies, SWORD TOWARD SELF might draw a lot of positive attention from the more recent Death Metal fans. The band does love to whip through different time signatures and tempos throughout their songs and the opening track “Sword Toward Self” displays all of this. It starts off with some brutal riffs and roaring vocals but by halfway through the song it has shifted into a melodic break with some impressive singing considering how just seconds before they were the essence of brutal Death Metal. These kind of quick changes seem to come easy for SWORD TOWARD SELF and its respective members as they flawlessly tear through complex music.

As if just the song structures and writing weren’t impressive enough, each band member seems to be very proficient at their instrument and uses them to their full capabilities without overriding the others. The riffs are heavy and quick most of the time yet the guitarist easily launches into winding solos that trade off with one another as though it were mere child’s play. He also easily matches the melodies of the singer in the acoustic break on the opening track. The bass parts compliment the music nicely and really keep the heavy end and speed of the music when the two guitars decide to duke it out. And how can I forget the ever present and praise worthy drumming. Whether it’s the blast beats of “Regress/Regret” or the cymbal work and technicality of “Iridescent Wings Of The Ungods”. He seems to nail it all without ever missing a beat or sounding out of place.

For those of you that need a comparison for this review to hit home – just imagine a very aggressive OPETH…say like mixed with a little NILE for good measure. The technicality is masterful and yet the songwriting (even with the opener that is over 8 minutes) is still concise. SWORD TOWARD SELF has a future ahead of them when they release a debut EP that is this damn good.

Eagerly awaiting a full album.

Songs to check out: All Of Them!

(Online February 9, 2008)