### Distress Of Ruin: Predators among us

#### 08/03/14 || cadenz

Aside from a 2011 demo, this self-released EP entitled “Predators Among Us” is the first release by the Finnish melodic death metal band Distress of Ruin. The first query popping up in my head is “Do we really need another melodic death metal band from Finland?” and the second is “Why not?” Turns out we could’ve probably gotten by anyway.

Let’s do a slightly modified Rorsch-ass Test™: what do you think of when I write “cheap shampoo”? Or “frozen pizza”? Yeah, that’s kind of how “Predators Among Us” sounds; plain, ordinary, constructed, slightly artificial, but it still kind of gets the job done. The down-tuned riffs (that crunch really nicely in the mix) suffer from Insomnium Syndrome™ – they work alright, they work together, but the boner I’m getting is non-existent. Once in a while I get excited, like during the really heavy slow riff in “Bystander Effect”, but then the next one is so generic McDonald’s called and wanted their burger recipe back.

Distress of Ruin really sound Finnish, with obvious references being the aforementioned Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum, Amorphis etc. Influences of the latter are very clearly audible in the chorus of the best song of the EP, “Terminal Alteration”, complete with melodic clean vocals that sound more folk (manly) than pop (whiny). The clean vocals in the first two tracks are more of the metalcore variety, that make shivers go down my spine – shivers of repulsion. The main lead vocals are meaty death growls of a higher quality, and the overall musicianship is impeccably tight, as one can expect from Finnish bands nowadays. I mentioned the nice and crunchy guitars, and the whole mixing and mastering job deserves a lot of praise – cohesiveness, clarity and a massive punch to the gut in aural form. Good work, Mister Joonas Kaselius (rec, produce, mix, master) and Kimmo Perkkiö (additional mastering).

Considering the near-flawless execution and fantastic production, it’s a great disappointment that the songs aren’t as well-written. The riffs work, the melodies are OK, the arrangements are polished…but what’s missing is that elusive X factor. I believe Distress of Ruin have it in themselves to produce a great album, but they need to be bolder and braver in everything to get there. Don’t take the most obvious way out in the arrangements – insert a break, a tempo change, an odd instrument, a totally incomprehensible melody, or all of the above, to create that moment of surprise that is frustratingly missing here. Don’t be shy to use overtly simplistic ideas, those stupid corny licks and stumps of riffs you stumble upon when jamming or soundchecking or fooling around or whatever are usually the best ones. Go bold or go home!

- Information
- Released: 2013
- Label: Self-released
- Website: www.distressofruin.com
- Band
- Lauri Ruotsalainen: vocals
- Simo Niiranen: vocals, guitar
- Harri Säynevirta: guitar
- Sami Tolonen: bass
- Riku Romppanen: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. The Ocean of Perdition
- 02. They Play Dead
- 03. Deadly Nightshade
- 04. Bystander Effect
- 05. Terminal Alteration
- 06. Harbinger of Ravage