If you are a metal fan, the album, “They”, by Premortal Breath deserves to be included in your collection. This album starts rocking from the opening song and doesn’t let up until the end. If you like bands like Slipknot, StainD, Static-X, Godsmack, and Sevendust you will love this album. Besides the extreme guitar riffs which give the songs character and great musical power, lead singer Tommy Greulich’s voice is the main focus of the songs and also the biggest strength of the band. Though the 8-track album itself is very aggressive and heavy, it manages to use generous doses of melody wisely.
Premortal Breath has a pretty original sound, and that is a high compliment given the huge amount of copycats in the heavy music scene today. Their innate ability to take elements of their influences and forge a somewhat new sound rather than imitate completely is commendable. The drums thunder along, twin guitars erupt from nowhere, and emotional, evocative singing soars over the mix courtesy of front man Greulich, who has transformed his voice into a gorgeous raspy instrument.
From the first track, “Your Ruin”, to other standouts like, “Into The Light”, “Pain”, “They” and “Bloody Baby Shower”, this album has lots of power, passion, and style. When singer Greulich growls and snaps like a pit bull, it’s done with immense power. When he slows his pulse, and harmonizes with the tremendous bombast from the band that surrounds him, it’s done with great tone and passion. He is a powerful force for this band, and a great deal of the appeal here.
And then there’s the band. It’s an extremely tight performance by a wonderful group of musicians. They cut through these songs with precision and expertise. They drive Greulich’s voice straight into your soul, whether you like it or not. A very aggressive record, but yet controlled in a way that keeps it sounding sharp all the way through.
On songs like “Pleasure” and “Trapped” the vocals, lyrics and musicianship bleed forth with dedication and devotion, engulfing the listener in a sea of emotions. Lyrically this album is mature, broaching deep subjects and poetically maneuvering itself through the melodic brutality of each track. The best tracks here embrace this emotional sound with ferocity. The most effective at this is none other than the monumental title track “They”. Musically the track is flawless, with catchy twin guitar riffs and a mind blowing drum track, but it’s within the vocal delivery that the track becomes more than just another song for Tommy Greulich’s vocals, together with the harmonies are so overwhelmingly intoxicating one can’t help but become absorbed. The bridge is also beautifully orchestrated and delivered.
This is one of those records that you hope a band of any serious caliber will make. Lots of very good bands make 2 or 3 good tracks on their albums, and never hit the stride they should have the rest of the way. Premortal Breath has released an album where they are in full stride from start to finish. I truly believe this is as good as this band can be right now, and it’s wonderful to see a talented band utilizing all the talent they have.
The Premortal Breath Story: In 2010 Tommy Greulich (vocals) and Potti (drums) decided to grab the bull by the horns. They wanted to start a fresh-sounding, heavy, yet melodic metal band – the idea of Premortal Breath was born. Still missing guitarists and a bassist, the two started their quest for fellow musicians. A first line-up was complemented by Armin (guitar) and Tobias (bass) and started working on new songs right away. In October 2010 the bunch entered the Beat-House Studio in Rauenberg/Germany where they recorded two of their songs (Mind over matter/Your ruin). Still lacking a second guitarist Tobias switched from bass to guitar, a wise decision, as shortly after guitarist Armin left the band due to personal issues. Luckily a new bassist was found quite easily in Sebastian Herbold. Without intermission they continued to rehearse and push their songwriting, while looking for a second guitarist. Innumerable, fruitless auditions later guitarist David joined the band, being the missing piece. But shortly after the bands line-up changed once again – David left the band to pursue his own musical ideas. The band being fed up with auditions Sebastian stepped up to the challenge and filled in as second guitarist. Recruiting a bassist was kind of a no-brainer, as first applicant Dominik Eymar convinced on all levels. The current band line-up is Thomas Pettrich –Drums, Sebastian Herbold –Guitars, Tobias Eymer –Guitars, Dominik Eymer –Bass and Thomas Greulich–Vocals.
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