Daath - 'The Concealers'

In conjunction with their last CD The Hinderers, Daath was portrayed as a mystical band whose lyrics and existence was based on The Tree Of Life, complete with an extensive website explanation (including diagrams). They were to record 13 records of 13 songs, each one exploring a various part of the human psyche.

Not sure if had anything to do with the departure of former vocalist Sean Farber and keyboardist Mike Kameron or just a shift in marketing strategy, but Daath's latest CD The Concealers only has 11 songs, so I guess that part of the plan has been jettisoned. Another change was the addition of Kevin Talley (Chimaira, Misery Index) as the band's full-time drummer, after he and a couple others split the duties on the last CD.

Daath's sound has shifted a bit on The Concealers. There are fewer industrial elements and more straight-ahead death metal. The opening track "Sharpen The Blade" sets the stage with a fast tempo, aggressive drums and stellar guitar work from Eyal Levi and Emil Werstler. It's powerful, punishing and direct.

"The Worthless" starts with a mellow interlude before powering up to a catchy mid-tempo groove and eventually growing even more intense. Daath changes things up as well, including progressive and very creative elements on songs like "The Unbinding Truth" and "Of Poisoned Sorrows."

New vocalist Sean Z does a credible job, providing death metal growls with sufficient anger and passion. Talley's addition is a good one, as the veteran is able to change things up and provides a potent base. At first I wasn't sure if I liked The Concealers as much as Daath's last album, but after several listens it really kicked in for me.

(released April 21, 2009 on Roadrunner/Century Media Records)