Another relapse band pushing the extremes of sonic excess.... imagine that. December, however, keep it sane (unlike a certain "escape plan"...), and manage to create some infectious death grind that is also ridiculously heavy. Closest band I can think of as a reference point are Dying Fetus, but not really... December are more grind and less core. Either way, the Lament Configuration is one of the more auspicious DM debuts in recent years and these guys will be making waves pretty soon.

The drumming and guitar production on this cd are fantastic... classic Napalm Death style where the axes grind along just enough without sounding flat. Now that I mention it, December ain't too far from ND on the sonic meter... perhaps somewhere between Napalm and fellow relapsers Pig Destroyer. Opening track Icenine is a monster of a song... the perfect groove riff topped with menacing vocals and spasmodic grind outbursts. December are at their best when they groove... check out Token Gesture, my favorite track and a fucking barnburner of a riff. This one will be filling mosh pits near you.

There are some throwout tracks (this is a debut after all) and they seem to be finding their sound. Some DEPisms are present, but once these guys get over it they'll be a force to be reckoned with. If you like modern grind of the Relapse variety, get this badboy. Standout tracks: icenine, token gesture, host.

1. Icenine 03:53
2. Vertigo 03:59
3. Waiting for Rain 03:35
4. Host 03:17
5. Trial 03:50
6. The Sleeping Throne 04:45
7. Token Gesture 02:54
8. By Example 03:42
9. Play Dead 02:39
10. Quiet Cold 03:31
36:05