Originality. This is the one word mantra that record labels of all shapes and sizes nauseatingly impose on prospective artists. Something about the music, or the band’s image, or some combination of the two must stand out from the endless supply of submissions that the label receives on a daily basis. But what happens when an up and coming band is actually original? Labels repeatedly sign bands that “fit” their sound, seemingly in opposition to the concept of originality. Pop music is less than arguably put together via assembly line, and it appears that metal is dangerously close to following the same path. So in this cookie cutter world, is it possible to be too original? DÅÅTH’s sophomore release, The Concealers, is every bit as refreshing as it is brutal, per the genre’s standard. New vocalist Sean Z’s vocal performance shows that the band did not let any lineup changes effect their ability to tear your face off, and still leave you with a smile where your face used to be. His voice bears a certain clarity that sets him apart from a lot of today’s metal vocalists, which allows for more than a few words to cut through the mix, resulting in your ability to potentially understand the lyrics before having to open the album’s booklet insert. The dual guitar work of Eyal Levi and Emil Werstler is stellar, from the album’s opening riff, to the off-the-wall Muse inspired guitar solos. (That references one Levi solo in particular, see if you can find it.) For those of you playing along at home, to make your own Emil Werstler, add one part Marty Friedman, and one part Slash, then set to ‘God-mode.’ Levi and Werstler shred, but not simply because they can. It’s all tastefully done. Dare it be said that this album is wank-free?! And now on to the rhythm section. Bassist Jeremy Creamer handles his duties more than well, as it’s no walk in the park to be the musical glue between the dual guitar onslaught and the drumming of Kevin Talley. Mr. Talley’s drum parts are as well thought out as the overall song compositions. While a good deal of today’s metal drummers take the song structure and write themselves into a corner in terms of both speed and originality, Kevin Talley shows you just how it’s done. In fact, DÅÅTH shows you just how it’s done with The Concealers. Take notice! In an age where metal no longer conjures the names of Iron Maiden or Metallica, but rather Job For A Cowboy or iwrestledabearonce, DÅÅTH just might be too original for their own good. There's a certain risk to be taken when you don't sound like anyone else. DÅÅTH boldly rises to the challenge, and does so well. The Concealers sets itself apart from the pack, but will the masses take notice? Regardless of if they will, they most definitely should. Rating System: 1 - “Make way for alcoholism.” 2 - “Whoever’s toe that is, I appreciate the effort, but you can stop now.” 3 - “Okay sure, I’ll take this Pass/Fail.” 4 - “Don’t need no instructions to know how to rock!” 5 - “Make way for awesome!”