Genre-bending in the Canadian post-death fashion is the name of the game for this outfit, as the relentless debut full length implies. They've had all kinds of professional producers and studio guys to help 'em attain the perfection they desired, but even if this one bore a more unprofessional sound, the songs speak for themselves. Lifting the Swedish thrash template of At The Gates and Carnal Forge-style speed attacks and cyber-tech pummeling techniques a la Meshuggah, Strapping Young Lad and Textures are intertwined to create a crushing, high-octane, pit-monger of a release. Could fit well on a death metal tour, metalcore festival or anything in between. I suspect bigger things are in the works...
- Dave Brenner, Firing Squad column, Metal Maniacs, Sept 2007 issue
Despite the Pantera based album title, Canada’s Senate actually deliver one of the more solid self released efforts heard that’s up there with the likes of The Fifth Sun, Martriden, and Empyrean Eclipse as far as well put together, well packaged and well played self released efforts.
Armed with a Tue Madsen mastering job, as well as members of Martyr (Can) and Threat Signal for this recording, Senate rip their way through 8 (intro not withstanding) track of particularly savage and seething melodic death metal with hints of American Metal. However, the seething, almost black metal vocals of Matt DiFranco give the overall sound far more bite than their American contemporaries.
Whereas most melodic death metal or even American Metal tends to be a bit sugary and amicable, Senate’s tone, in part due to the vocals and the far more blistering riffs, Senate’s (virtually) synth free visage is one that has more in common with the more pure likes of early At The Gates, Darkest Hour, The Black Dahlia Murder, Arsis and such, but even then, they come across as leaner and meaner. Even with a few slightly more paced moments such as the intro or the mid-song break in “War Without End, Amen”, the acoustic start of “Whispers” the bulk of the album is a seething ball of razor sharp riffs, pummeling blasts, well placed but hardly friendly solos and vicious screams.
Venomous tracks like apt opener (after the intro) “Victorious Hatred”, “Queen of Sorrow”, “Crucifixer” vicious “Anti” and “Recommit Rising” and longer, slower tracks “Whispers” and epic, synth licked closer “Draconis” simply show a tight, well oiled band on the cusp of a record deal, and considering today’s musical climate, possible critical acclaim with little or no improvement or tweaking of their current sound. The only suggestion I would make is to not put the two more controlled, 6-plus minute tracks next to each other at the end of the album.
Otherwise, The Great Northern Scenekill is a damn stout release from a band I look to hear big things from in the future.
"Don't be fooled by the jazzy instrumental intro. Senate erupt into an infuriated killing machine on 'Victorious Hatred', a song that instantly gets stuck in your head.
Combining elements of Black and Thrash metal with melodic hooks, these Canadians managed to tap the highly respected Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Witchery) to master this nine song sonic warhead. Arch Enemy is an apt starting point, simply for comparison's sake, however Senate quickly carve out their own bold niche.
Instinctively angry, the entire band possesses stealth-like precision, from battering blast beats to shredding dual guitars and skin-peeling vocals.
What's up S.M.I. Friends and Family, We are excited to have been chosen to advance in the Project Independent National Metal Showcase. Now, we need your help to continue. Beginning December 1st, a online voting competition on www. projectindependent. net will determine which bands will advance for an opportunity to become the Featured Artist for 2009. The Featured Artist receives a 60 day national tour, $5,000, CD manufacturing, custom merchandise from Rocky Mountain Hardcore, free gear and tech support, and more! These are all things that S.M.I. needs greatly. So, help us advance everyday in December. Tell everyone you know about this. Let's show the world what three crazy southern boys from the Mountains of Northwest Georgia can accomplish with a little help. This IS a popularity contest, and we are going to be facing off against a lot of really good bands from larger cities. So, we are at a disadvantage. But, with your help we can win.
