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Lethargy: Purification

Lethargy: Purification

Hard Rock/Heavy Metal
Rating: 3.5/5.0

Powerage Records
lethargymusic.co.uk
www.myspace.com/lethargymusic
Added January 18, 2009

England's Lethargy is one of the first four bands signed to Classic Rock magazine's new label Powerage Records. The others include Pride Tiger, Endeverafter, and Viking Skull. (All of which will be reviewed this month on Dangerdog Reviews.) As with the other bands, Lethargy's 'Purification' isn't all that new; it was released in 2007. But thanks to Classic Rock's interest, Lethargy (and the others) are getting more attention and, hopefully, worldwide distribution

Lethargy's version of hard rock is heavy, a bit doomish, even stoner yet more akin to a modern post-grunge sound. Actually, I found that they live up to their name. Many of the songs on 'Purification' are lethargic, languishing in the musical sluggishness and indifference of stoner rock; this includes 'Stealth,' 'A Lost Adoration,' 'Ideal Orphans,' 'Inertia' (very appropriate name) and 'Bleachin' Bones.' All these I found interesting, yet easily dismissible for their inherent gloominess. The exception is the last (Bleachin' Bones), thanks to some impressive fret work.

Lethargy shines brighter when they compose more heavy melodic rock songs or throw you an unforeseen and wholly uncharacteristic musical curve ball. For the former it comes on 'Innocence Serene,' 'Convenient Ignorant Amnesia' and the closest thing to a ballad, 'Fragile Crystal Dream' which shows the strength and range of Phil Humphreys' vocals. For the later, 'I See Man's End In His Construction' is so remarkably and powerfully different than what comes before or after to defy description. It's a magnificent and epic composition displaying Lethargy's true talent.

With the exception of the songs mentioned in the last paragraph, I found Lethargy's 'Purification' to be an inconsistent collection post-grunge heavy hard rock looking for purpose. But for the brilliance of something like 'I See Mans End In His Construction,' I could easily reject Lethargy. Rather, I long for more.  - Craig Hartranft

In Short

I found Lethargy's 'Purification' to be an inconsistent collection post-grunge heavy hard rock looking for purpose. But for the brilliance of something like 'I See Mans End In His Construction,' I could easily reject Lethargy. Rather, I long for more.

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