Dim The Lights - Destroy Everything
2005 unsigned

Track Listing:
1. New Armor
2. Once A Dead Guy, Always A Dead Guy

Line-Up:
Vocals:  Damien
Guitars:  Dave, George
Bass:  Ryan
Drums:  Tim

Website:  www.dimthelights.net

Shev's Rating:  A-
Overall Album Rating:  A-

Shev's Review:
Even though these guys have been around since 2003 and through various line-up changes, they have just released their first demo, the two-song "Destroy Everything".  Probably due to the amount of time they have been together, this demo lacks the feel of a five-piece that are just starting to figure out their direction, instead opting for a couple of tight, well-gelled tracks.

Based out of central Pennsylvania, these guys specialize in a mix of grind, death metal, and hardcore, but it's pretty hard to nail down what specific genre they're loyal to as they also display slight elements of things like thrash and sludge.  Regardless, they're spectacular musicians...specifically the dual guitar work of Dave and George which tend to take the bull by the horns and lead the music where ever need be.  Complimenting the music is Damien on vocals, whose style toggles between a mid-range edgy hardcore tone and a more guttural death metal style.  Impressive is the dexterity in which he sings, using his throat to toggle between various tones like a switch.

The only blemish on this release comes towards the end of "Once A Dead Guy, Always A Dead Guy" when it turns into lighter hardcore complete with grungy vocals.  Not bad for what it is, but quite simply not my thing so I could do without it.  The hardcore crowd will probably appreciate the mood swing more than I do.  Everything else is top-shelf material, though.  Plays well at all speeds, be it break neck grind or sleep-inducing sludge...ages well over repeat listens due to the complexity and creativity of the tunes...and at over nine minutes long it's a decent investment for a two-song demo.  Should these guys decide to stick it out long enough to release a couple of full-lengths, expect great things from Dim The Lights.
Shev's Rating:  A-

Discography (last updated 11.8.05):
Destroy Everything demo - 2005