Seems like inserting the word “apparatus” into your band’s name and/or album title, in 2005, is conducive to receiving a favorable score. Okay, so my case used to begin and end with Frantic Bleep’s “The Sense Apparatus,” but evidently my case won’t die due in part to the recent, profitable acquisition of “Heathen Agenda.”

The Apparatus are a group of Norwegians that play death metal. But, at times, they adopt traits of black metal – most noticeable in the vocal department – that’s definitely able to appease both audiences alike. Getting acclimated to “Heathen Agenda” is a facile, painless exercise that takes little to no time at all. In essence, the band’s first few openers such as “Otherplace” and “Thanatos,” though devoid of kindness, are still inviting. Even the subtlest moments of the seven-minute “Travesty” haven’t been bested by anything I’ve encountered in the past few weeks. The vocals are a whole other monster entirely, and I can easily visualize the hate-tinged spit flying from Harkjerr’s mouth. Yes, I’m a fan of the vox. “Emotional Abduction” sees the sextet take on more complexity, which the drumming only serves to heighten.

The grief-infested “Ballistic Bleach” occupies two minutes before jumping into one of the best riffs on the disc in “Lost: Crossed.” I found The Apparatus’s most inspired performances to be housed within the latter. Still, “The Revelation,” “Guidance,” and “Worms” are good as well, and the forty-five minutes expires before you know it.

There are comparisons (to other bands) to be noted here, I’m sure, but I was hard pressed to find any substantial, like-minded groups. Interestingly enough, some members of The Apparatus are/were involved with Lumsk, if anyone knows them. But, at any rate, “Heathen Agenda” is a great outing that captured me stealthily. I didn’t see this one coming at all.

[This review was first published on the now defunct scandinavianmetal.info webzine]