First start is a long time coming but shows potential

Over the last fourteen years, Italian (Rome, Lazio) based death metal act Semeion have encountered several line-up changes and periods of instability, but have managed to remain true to their cause to produce two demos (Sconnessi and Fuori Tema), and play countless shows throughout their homeland. But with a stable line-up established since 2006, and new material beginning to accumulate, Semeion (Who comprise of vocalist Nicola Guidone, lead guitarist Gabriel Sassone, rhythm guitarist David Genovese, bassist Riccardo Ponzi and drummer Stuart Franzoni) have decided to put together an official release, with Semeion94.07 the result of the band’s latest work in the studio, and their debut E.P.

Within moments of the opening track Serial Opinions beginning, it becomes quite clear that Semeion aren’t prepared to dish out your standard death metal fare. There seems to be a definite progressive nature to the band’s approach to the genre, with influences from Death, Atheist and Cynic very much evident in the band’s chaotic and continual time changes and song structures. While the opening track seemed complex, it certainly doesn’t even compare to Two Eyes, where everything but the kitchen sink seems thrown into the mix.

What is undoubtedly the oldest song on the album, Masks sounds more akin to the band’s earlier doom-like influences (A mixture of My Dying Bride and Tiamat), while on Iugula Aut Missa and Sixth Heaven, the band streamline their song writing a little more to allow the guitarists to include some memorable riff sections and solos. Despite its raw production and the Guidone’s somewhat limited range (The clean vocals can sometimes take away from the song, while the growls are a little one dimensional), Semeion have certainly managed to put down some really interesting ideas on their debut effort.

With some experienced help in the studio, and a little more development in their song writing, I have no doubt that Semeion could really come up with something special in the future.