Metal Underground.com

New York’s Dimentianon are unknowns in many metal circles, treading on the outside with their take on death/black metal. If that doesn’t change with their excellent third album, “Collapse The Void,” all hope for universal common sense will be lost. Its brilliance is in the album’s subtleness; the unpredictable melodic breaks, a shocking twist with the awe-inspiring instrumental “Fragmented Nostalgia,” and lean-cut material trimmed to the bone. This is one of the sharpest underground metal albums released so far this year, a task that is an accomplishment in itself considering the enormous size of the scene.

The raspy vocals, tremolo-picked riffs, and endless series of cannon-fire blast beats lean the sound in a black/death hybrid, though Dimentianon is far from basic. This is a band unafraid to slow down with clean melodies and low-key synthesizers. This unbridled dynamic is a primary direction taken on the two main epics, “Return…” and “The Forgotten.” Each song clocks in over eight minutes, yet never has a wasted moment. The album clicks with a bass lead halfway through the former track; unconcerned with static noise, Dimentianon is willing to explore all angles beyond rudimentary lines.

In-between all of this furious devastation, buried dead in the middle, is “Fragmented Nostalgia.” With its haunting piano, new wave-y synth, and crooning female vocals, it’s the eye of the hurricane or the calm before the rest of the storm. It’s the most unexpected track on here, and the glistening beauty it gives off is refreshing. It takes a lot of balls to attempt something like this, but Dimentianon gives the song emotional depth to make it more than just a miscellaneous interlude.

There may be a progressive edge to the album, but this is still a sinister act we’re talking about. “Breathe Deep” is a quick-tempered burst of dark energy that shows off the crafty skills of guitarist Salty Z. Closer “All Good Things End” is the only track that sticks to its guns and doesn’t sneak in a slow section. Coming after “The Forgotten,” it’s anti-climatic. Just as soon as “Collapse The Void” starts to pick up, it fades out abruptly into the gray oblivion.

They say that less is more, and Dimentianon proves that to be truth on “Collapse The Void.” The argument could be made that a few more tracks could have really benefited the album, but looking at the album as a whole, it’s clear that the band put forward the best material they had and didn’t waste time with any incomplete slop. This is a strong showing that needs to be given attention by anybody who is even remotely interested in death, black or doom metal.