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Here we have the first demo from this remarkable band from Paris, France. While Despond's latest full length album - "Supreme Funeral Oration" is more in line with funeral doom, this demo primarily focused on the doom/death side of things. Deep and heavy grunts, a very strong rhythm guitar presence, first rate riff work and enormous atmosphere and emotion are on the menu here.

The intro and outro tracks are fairly ordinary, but the 3 beefy tracks in the middle are what it is all about. I must say that the vocals are simply out of this world and are the highlight of the record. As heard on later releases, the man's growl is definitely amongst the best and the heaviest out there. Even when the music is on the lighter side, as long as there are the imposing vocals, the atmosphere is very freakish and heavy. The only real complaint I have with this release is the use of keyboards as an excuse for riffs on a few occasions; particularly on "Never-Ending Night". There is a long passage in the middle portion of the track where the keyboards substitute the guitar's riffing and continues to drag on longer than it should.

Aside from a minor problem here and there "As My Soul Reaches Infinity" is an excellent demo to check out for those interested in doom/death metal, however I will add that the change in sound taken by the band in recent times is far, far superior.

Additional Information

The demo was also re-released in CD-R format in 2002.