Rock Music Critic

	Firstborn, The
	The Unclenching of Fists

	The Firstborn hail from Portugal, home to another great metal band: Moonspell. Like Moonspell, The Firstborn seem to have a distinctive style all their own. I can honestly say that while this album has its roots in death metal, it does not sound like anything else I have heard before. Four years in the making, this is a concept album about tantric Buddhism. What? Buddhism? Yeah, that was my reaction too. I don't know nearly enough about Buddhism to have any idea how this album holds up factually, so I'll just assume they know what they are talking about. My knowledge is limited to what I've seen in kung fu movies. The metal elements of this album are not by themselves over-the-top fantastic, but pretty good. However, when the non-metal elements (monk-like chanting, synth, and eastern instruments) are added to the mix it makes for a truly different and refreshing experience. But don't let the eastern flavor fool you, this disc rocks in brutal fashion. The vocals are mostly harsh (though not Bloodbath style harsh) but at times there are cleaner vocal lines as well. Neither is this a wall of blast-beats either. The music on this disc is articulated very well, which makes it easier to appreciate. While I have no complaints about the production, I would really like to hear a release from this group that is produced real slick like an Andy Sneap album, I think that would be awesome. Something huge, and crisp, and punchy. I think they could pull it off. Lets hope it isn't another four years until their next album! Check this group out!
TRACKLIST: Torn From Within (Awakening) To Roam the Endless Plains Perception Path of the Mindwalker Voyage Fire Channels Movement for Practicing the Way The Roaring Voice of the God of Death Of Time and its Absence Ten Offerings to Mahakala Golden Libation Absolute The Unclenching of Fists