Unlike Noctambulant, which I've always hated, I've always maintained that Cabinet is a solid album. It's a more aggressive, more entertaining take on the immense talent that Spawn Of Possession is notorious for displaying. The riffs have meat to them, the bass pops out in the mix, and the production doesn't make the instruments sound like they were replaced with FL Studio samples. Those are good things by the way, just in case you were deluded into thinking shit like Brain Drill actually sounded like quality.
It's pretty amazing what some gain can do for the tone of a guitar. Even though the bass features a dry tone, the mixing lets the lower frequencies out, giving texture to otherwise self-indulgent riffing. "A Presence Inexplicable" and the hook-driven "Dirty Priest" feature dense basslines which actually add something to the verses. This tidbit of heaviness does wonders when combined with the slightly more gain-ridden guitar tone, making the virtuosic elements of Cabinet memorable and catchy. Killer demo track "Inner Conflict" features one of the most memorable, hammerblast-driven verses on the album and it opens with a fucking awesome intro that I often find myself humming along to.
There's some decent track variety on here as well - and no not in the bad "riff salad" way that I often complain about. Each track feels separate yet they all fit together cohesively. "Swarm of the Formless" does a great job opening Cabinet while "Spawn Of Possession," another demo track, marks the transition to the second half of the album with it's ghoulish chants. The last demo track "Church Of Deviance" is a competent display of speed and technicality and closer "Uncle Damfee" features some ambience and use of synthesizers. It's tasteful, unlike most times bands like this use synths.
The virtuosic musicianship is all here too. There's no doubt that these guys are talented after listening to either of their full-lengths. The difference between the debut and Noctambulant is that Cabinet has balls and memorability and isn't as concerned with self-indulgent neoclassicism.
8.5 out of 10
Tracklisting:
Eventually.
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