So, before me lies the disc from the russian band ZATMENIE and their second, self-titled album. The first one, "Hatred," was released just over a year prior. First and foremost, the recording quality deserves special mention — it far surpasses the debut. Musically, the band has also become more distinctive. Genre-wise, it starts as tough heavy metal leaning toward thrash, but as the compositions progress, the music gravitates increasingly toward thrash, leaving heavy metal behind. The vocals have changed substantially — above all, the range has expanded. The drum parts sound far more interesting and complex, and the album's crowning glory is its magnificent solos, particularly in the tracks "Road to Paradise" and "Strength." The latter is arguably the most elaborate piece on the album, sounding closer to metalcore, with sharp, choppy riffs combined with an excellent solo and an aggressive vocal delivery. I'd also like to highlight the song "Forever," which vaguely recalls the work of METALLICA.
The track "I Am Not Your Servant" sounds decidedly heavier than anything else on the album — it feels like the tuning was deliberately lowered, with a nod toward alternative metal, yet the effect is quite compelling. The album closes with the eight-and-a-half-minute composition "Love." This is straightforward mid-tempo thrash, though there is a very calm and melodic passage in the middle of the song.
One can confidently say this is one of the best heavy/thrash releases to come out of russia in recent times. There is simply no one to compare them to. Not the slightest lean toward power metal — which has been noticeable lately among most russian heavy metal bands — just interesting, technically proficient music with its own unmistakable style. All lyrics, as on the first album, were written by vocalist/rhythm guitarist Pavel Mikheev. Lead guitar and bass remain in the hands of Dmitry Dochkin and Alexander Zubets, while the previous drummer was replaced by Alexander Platkov, which only benefited the band, as the drumming this time around is beyond reproach.