Emerging from Albuquerque, New Mexico, 'Last House on the Left' is a five-piece death metal band that would even make 'Wes Craven' proud.  It begins with the tale created by Tyler Semyaza that glides atop the atmosphere developed by guitarists Jon Singleton and Jake Lucero, bassist Pat Richey, and drummer Daniel McBride.  Combined together, it is a blend of sheer terror fit for any horror movie to make your skin crawl.  The band took its time on ''Among Flies,'' recording locally at Sixteen Studios from December through July.  ''Among Flies'' was a self-produced effort, but the band left the mixing to Neil Kernon, who has worked with death metal legend 'Cannibal Corpse.'  Adding to the dark atmosphere of the album is the artwork done by comic book artist Simon Bisley.  All elements combined make this a work of horror, and make the weak of heart run and cower.

    ''Among Flies'' wastes no time in developing the atmosphere of horror with the intro track, which contains a persistent clock tick as you await the terror soon approaching much like a horror movie.  The music begins to infiltrate your mind with images of macabre.  Painting the tales of horror is much to the delight of frontman Semyaza, who was quoted saying, "I wanted our band to be like that dark and intense but also each song would have its own story," after being asked why the band took the name 'Last House on the Left' after the 1972 movie.  As far as I am concerned he has exceeded his goal, especially with lyrical epics like the title track 'Among Flies.'  But take nothing away from the guitar or drum work on the album.  Their riffs and beats create the perfect platform for the stories Semyaza belts out.  As if I haven't made the reference to horror films enough, the last track 'Lupus Occasus,' much like an ending of a horror movie, soothes the listener to the resolution yet leaves the air ready for a sequel.

    I can't help but wonder what would happen if they strayed from their horror movie direction.  Yet I can honestly say that nothing about the album is flawed.  They laid out their direction and simply killed it.  The layered vocals can become tedious at times, but are still effective.  Some parts can become droning for short lengths of time, but they add to the atmosphere.

    'Among Flies' is perfect for any fan of horror movies or death metal.  At first listen, you may not pick up on all the ways the album is synonymous with a horror movie.  Give it a few listens, and you will easily pick up on them.  I personally enjoyed the blend of atmosphere and brutal music that 'Last House on the Left' has created.  For those who have yet to pick it up, ''Among Flies'' will make a great Christmas gift for yourself, a good stocking stuffer for another, or a great way to freak out some relatives if you do a white elephant exchange.  Rest assured, be sure to add ''Among Flies'' to your collection.

-James Terry
theinterlude.com