(Sentinel Records) Total Time: 42:55
FOR RUIN were formed in 2003 in Ireland by the guitarist John Murphy. In 2004 they released their first split with Meiche, which is a black metal project of Murphy. In the winter of 2005 FOR RUIN recorded and released their first demo “Shade”, which includes three of the songs of their full-length album “December”. In February 2006 FOR RUIN joined the Irish Tour of Mael Mordha and also performed live at the Day Of Darkness fest 2006. During 2006 they released their first Ep “Obsidian” and in January 2007 also recorded their live DVD. And after that the band signed for Sentinel Records and released their first full-length album “December”. “FOR RUIN” has worked hard and without cease, and I have to mention that they are rewarded by their effort. I think it's a big deal to be voted as the 9th best unsigned band by the “Terrorizer” magazine; but, of course, it's not only what the zines say, yet what your fans believe about you, and as I have noticed “FOR RUIN” has a number of fans and really worth it, 'cause their work is really remarkable and unique. It's obvious, that since their first demo, they have stated their identity and have evolved accordingly. In “December” we can find tracks included to every former release. For example, one of the best tracks of their album, “Dread”, appearred for the first time in their first demo “Shade”, or “Wake”, which is the second track of “December” and at the same time one of the most remarkable tracks of the album. I think that regarding the presentation of their songs, “FOR RUIN” has made a really great and organised job! I guess the only thing that diminishes the quality of the album is the production, which I would say it’s a little ragged and injures the whole effort. I think that this kind of music needs a sharper production, in order to be elevated.
Mostly influenced by bands like Rotting Christ, Amon Amarth, Amorphis, Carcass, Dark Tranquillity and the early era of In Flames, FOR RUIN have created a very fine sample of melodic death and black metal. Even though Murphy’s voice is really raspy and harsh, closer to the black metal norms, the guitar melodies add a slight touch of atmosphere and sometimes sound a little melancholic and sorrowful, without being complicated and pretentious. On the other hand, there are also those cutting sharp riffs, underlying the melody, and that fast drumming, which keep you in tense. In general they have used catchy melodies that make you listen to this album over and over again and many fast paced passages. In my opinion the most highlighted tracks of the album are: “Wake”, “Dread” and “Towards an End”.
I hope that their next releases will be equal qualitative as this one and they will keep on evolving just like they have already done….
