The Hideous End – Black Seas Infinite
A solo project from multi instrumentalist and vocalist Fred Sladkey, The Hideous End is a new addition to the ranks of modern melodic death metal. Although he is from the frigid north of Massachusetts, it seems like he embraced the Swedish melodeath style, incorporating modern synthwork and technical guitarwork to achieve a fresh, not so dusty Scandinavian melodic death metal sound. Black Seas Infinite is his first record and the songs feature brutal blast beats, epic symphonic elements alternating catchy melodic choruses and cyberpunk inspired synth. accents. Standout elements include virtuosic guitar solos, lush arrangements , and modern production.
I loved the repetitive main motif of Crimson Blur, a real earworm and Fred eloborately embellishes it with groovy breakdowns and faster verses. He definitely is a talented musician, who has a comprehensive knowledge of the genre, and also of songwriting. In songs like Crimson Blur, The Gallows and A Strange Obsession, his grandoise, maximalist approach shines through the compositions. Also, that modern, crystal clear production helps to grasp the extent of his layering skills.
However, there is a small issue of trying too hard at times. Black Seas Infinite is a decent record, especially when you consider its a debut from just a single musician, but sometimes I felt like Sladkey is trying to show everything he has all at one, which sometimes is exhausting. Overdoing might be the correct diagnosis for some songs, and its inevitable when you’re all by yourself, not restrained by producers or other band members. I know it can be difficult to judge your own work, and I strongly suggest Sladkey to show his demo tapes or ideas to some professionals. Trimming a couple of ideas or shortening the length of the record (12 songs, 52 minutes is a bit much for this style if you’d ask me) could have created a much more refined, concantrated first album.
If you’re a fan of more synth. oriented records of DARK TRANQULLITY, Black Seas Infinite will probably grow on you quicker than a traditional melodic death metal guy. The Hideous End has some serious riffing and cool blast-beats with sick vocals, reminding bands like THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER or AT THE GATES as well, but basicly this is very different than an average melodeath album with its modern electronicals, effects and layers. Keep an open mind, and prepare yourself for an intense, melodic journey.
