'NEATH: The Small Untruths

Produced by Kosta Lagis

Released: 2008

An impressive collection of Opeth-style progressive death metal, 'Neath's debut The Spider's Sleep was easily one of the stand-out entries in the Australian metal catalogue for 2007. This new album from the Brisbane quartet has set the same exemplary standard. The Small Untruths is a refinement of their formula, resulting in tighter arrangements without losing the feeling of immediacy that comes from 'neath's jam-based style.

The Small Untruths won't lay any Opeth comparisons to rest; if anything 'neath seem to relish them and the extensive use of acoustic guitar here actually makes them sound more like the illustrious Swedes than before. The acoustic passages of "Paintings" are very similar to those of "The Drapery Falls" and in several other places there are echoes of Blackwater Park, such as the riffing in "Untruths". Nevertheless, while this review may seem like an accusation of outright copy-catting, the fact is that 'neath is really a great band and The Small Untruths is a very, very good album.

It would actually be rather difficult for a band to play music like this and not sound like Opeth once in a while, and to their infinite credit 'neath is one of the few bands around that can pull this style off convincingly. While their songs are very obviously built around extending studio jams, 'neath never carry it too far. Indeed, while this album is almost precisely the same length as The Spider's Sleep, this has one more track, meaning that while they continue to free-form they do so with plenty of restraint. Multi-voiced singer Boyd Potts provides the understated keyboard elements which help to provide the somewhat stark and haunting atmosphere that is also reflected in the strange artwork. Tim Dowdle's guitar shifts gear between simple but menacing riffs to a clean, lilting passages evoking the darkness of the lyrics.

The Small Untruths is another remarkable album from 'neath, a band that is on its way to becoming something pretty special.

1. Worm
2. Paintings
3. Down
4. Untruths
5. Remember
6. Shell

Rating: 94%