Sound: If you like technical death metal with its own unique originality, Capharnaum's latest release, Fractured, is for you. The sound on this album is awe-inspiring. Every song showcases immensely technical instrumental skills by Capharnaum's band members. The guitars are almost ridiculously complex, the drumming is legendary (insane time signatures and jazz-like improvisation at times), and as a whole, the production is crystal clear. While it may not be the most brutal death metal CD out there, the sheer technicality of the tracks on it is quite awesome. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Probably my only beef with Capharnaum's Fractured is the vocals at times. As you may or may not know, Trivium's Matt Heafy does vocals for these guys. While I do like his voice in Trivium, the hardcore screams at times do sound a bit odd over death metal. That said, they do fit surprisingly well in most songs, and do not detract from the sound at all really. Also, for death metal fans who like their screams low and powerful, they too are displayed on this album as well, such as in the song 'Icon of Malice'. As for the lyrics, they are OK. Mainly themes such as evil and mankind are discussed, and at times their are some really catchy phrases. Still, with Capharnaum, you'll be listening out for the guitar riffs rather than the vocalist's lyrics most often. // 7
Impression: If you like tech death bands like Necrophagist and Nile, it's worth checking out Capharnaum's 'Fractured'. While Capharnaum is not as heavy or as brutal as either band (a bit more on the progressive side), they play their instruments just as well on this album. Stand-out songs would have to be 'The Scourge Trial', 'Refusal' (good solo), and 'Icon Of Malice'. Not a groundbreaking CD, but definitely one of the better metal releases of the past few years. // 8