Papa Necrose’s Identity Crisis: When Homage Becomes Imitation
There’s something oddly comforting about Papa Necrose’s Anthropomorphy Execution—like revisiting an old favorite dish at a new restaurant, only to realize the chef’s added too much salt. On paper, the Brazilian quintet ticks all the right boxes: progressive death metal, nods to 90s legends like Death and Pestilence, and a thematic obsession with the Catholic Church. But here’s the rub: in their eagerness to pay tribute, Papa Necrose forgets to carve out a voice of their own. And that, my friends, is where the album stumbles.
The Ghost in the Room (No Pun Intended)
Let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the Ghost in the room. The band’s name, Papa Necrose, is impossible to hear without conjuring images of Tobias Forge’s theatrical antics. Personally, I think this is a misstep. In a genre where identity is everything, leaning into a moniker that feels like a knockoff does them no favors. It’s not just about the name, though. The album’s cover art, a bizarre fusion of Saw and Easter Island aesthetics, feels equally disjointed. What many people don’t realize is that first impressions matter, especially in an oversaturated genre like death metal. If you take a step back and think about it, these surface-level choices hint at a deeper issue: Papa Necrose seems more focused on fitting in than standing out.
Musical Mastery, But at What Cost?
Musically, Anthropomorphy Execution is a masterclass in technical proficiency. Danilo Vagner and Carlo Silva’s riffs are razor-sharp, Luquian Silva’s drumming is dynamic, and Eric Gusmão’s bass work is nothing short of exploratory. Tracks like “Hammered in the Mind” and “Cathedral of Death” showcase their chops, and James Murphy’s guest appearance on “The Thousand Yard Gaze” adds a touch of nostalgia. But here’s where it gets interesting: for all their talent, Papa Necrose sounds like they’re playing someone else’s game. One thing that immediately stands out is their reliance on familiar tropes—Schuldiner-esque phrasing, Obituary-style gutturals, and even a guitar harmony on “Anthropomorphy Execution” that feels eerily similar to Death’s “Sacred Serenity.” In my opinion, this isn’t homage; it’s imitation. And in a genre defined by innovation, that’s a fatal flaw.
The Songwriting Conundrum
If you ask me, the album’s biggest weakness lies in its songwriting. While individual performances shine, the tracks often feel disjointed. Take “Fall, Die, and Break,” for example. The vocals lag behind the instrumentation, creating a sense of unease rather than cohesion. And don’t even get me started on the vocal mix—Alessandro Necrose’s growls are competent, but the excessive delay and exaggerated gurgles (think “Disenchant Them”) come off as cheesy rather than menacing. What this really suggests is that Papa Necrose is still figuring out how to balance technicality with emotional impact. A detail that I find especially interesting is how tracks like “Eighteen Years Awake” manage to sidestep these issues, delivering tight, groove-laden moments that hint at what could have been.
The Quest for Identity
Here’s the thing: Papa Necrose isn’t a bad band. Far from it. They’re clearly passionate about the genre, and their reverence for its pioneers is palpable. But passion alone isn’t enough. What makes this particularly fascinating is how their struggle mirrors a broader trend in metal—the tension between honoring the past and forging a new path. From my perspective, Anthropomorphy Execution is a well-executed homage, but it lacks the spark of originality that separates the greats from the imitators.
Looking Ahead: Can Papa Necrose Find Their Voice?
If you take a step back and think about it, Papa Necrose’s challenge isn’t unique. Many bands start as tributes to their heroes before evolving into something distinct. The question is: can Papa Necrose make that leap? Personally, I think they have the talent, but they need to temper their devotion with a stronger sense of self. This raises a deeper question: in a genre that thrives on innovation, how much room is there for bands that play it safe?
Final Thoughts
Anthropomorphy Execution is a solid effort, but it’s not a game-changer. It’s the kind of album you’ll appreciate if you’re craving a nostalgia trip, but it won’t leave you yearning for more. In my opinion, Papa Necrose has the potential to be more than just another footnote in the annals of progressive death metal. But until they find their voice, they’ll remain a talented tribute act in a genre that demands originality.
Rating: Disappointing
DR: 5 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
Label: Awakening Records (https://awakeningrecords.cn/)
Websites: awakeningrecordscn.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/papanecrosedm
Releases Worldwide: March 20th, 2026
