Reviews list for Pestilence - Spheres (1993)

Dutch band Pestilence made a brilliant evolving revolution in the European death metal scene in the late 80s and early 90s. First they were thrash, then death, then tech-death... Then came top-notch original progressive death metal in Spheres, making the many elements that were in their first 3 albums possible! Patrick Maneli and co. bring their music to more imaginative realms beyond comprehension, despite disapproval from heavier fans and the band doubting their future, leading to their 15-year split.

I really mean it when I say that I just found what might be my favorite Pestilence album and a true motivation to get me listening to this band full-time. Sure the music disappointed the earlier extreme fans who prefer Testimony of the Ancients or earlier. While that album is great too, Spheres has a better understanding in attracting attention with its unique sound, and it would make open-minded listeners want more. It was a risky yet intriguing move for the band. Whether the consequences were good or bad for them, they've never lost their stylistic essence.

The guitar riffing style of Mekong Delta can already be found in "Mind Reflections", standing out with minimalistic atmosphere and sounding nearly as thrashy as Dead Brain Cells. This continues in "Multiple Beings". And even further into "The Level of Perception" with a bit of tech-thrash foreshadowing what would come in the new millennium. Then the heaviness halts for the spooky string aura of interlude "Aurian Eyes".

"Soul Search" is an urgent prog-death trip that would expand beyond death metal's boundaries, the way Tribulation has done in their first two albums. There's some marvelous psychedelia a bit like Pink Floyd in "Personal Energy" in more dynamic light. "Voices from Within" is another ambient instrumental.

Then we have the abstract title track. There are some more mind-blowing traces in "Changing Perspectives", containing some more impressive synth-thrash of Mekong Delta. Then there's one more interlude, "Phileas". And lastly, "Demise of Time" is a twisted labyrinth of great leads and synths that guide you through transcendence beyond space. Lots of galactic magic all around!

Spheres was the band's last attempt at changing their style into something phenomenal before their long hiatus, and they nailed it! The album has placed this band in the tech-death league along with Cynic and Atheist, thanks to their combination of space and extreme. A unique masterpiece before their disappearance from activity!

Favorites: "Mind Reflections", "The Level of Perception", "Soul Search", "Personal Energy", "Changing Perspectives", "Demise of Time"

I'm going to say it right here! This is Pestilence's best album! No, I'm not suggesting that their previous albums weren’t great, because they absolutely were to varying degrees. But Spheres is an amazing achievement both technically and musically and I simply cannot understand why there are so many metal listeners out there (the band included) that consider it to be a failure. There is no other album that sounds like this one, and in a genre filled with bands that sound almost identical, that should not be ignored. It's utterly otherworldly in atmosphere, compellingly original, technically superb and above all, damn entertaining!

I guess I find it difficult to read some of the reviews on here that label this album things like "pretty much a stinker" and "Cynic-lite". But what I find more difficult is the way the band themselves (now that they have reformed) calling this release a failed experiment and promising not to put any of that overly technical, jazzy, electronic shite in the new release. They were clearly passionate about this stuff at the time and turning their backs on the albums fans 15 years later is insulting.

OK, so I've got all that out. I feel better now! Honestly, if you do enjoy progressive death metal such as Atheist and Cynic, then Spheres should be at the very top of your listening list. The riffs are insane, the solos are exquisite, the vocals are first rate, the lyrics are intelligent and thought provoking, the drumming is brilliant, and the bass work is utterly god like. Tracks like Mind Reflections, The Level of Perception, the beautiful Personal Energy and Demise of Time are jaw dropping, but to be honest, the whole 33 minutes is magical indeed. Don't be fooled by the rating, Spheres is massively underrated and one of my very favourite albums!