Inanimate Existence: A Never-Ending Cycle of Atonement

In my mind, this album is a direct competitor with the latest from Fallujah. I try to avoid too many comparisons, preferring to take each album on its own merits and on its own terms. Nevertheless, both albums did come out within a month of each other and both offer listeners a blend between death metal and something probably best described as atmospherics. As for Fallujah's album, I thought it was outstanding even though it was not the major breakthrough that others suggested it was.

I don't want to play up the connections between these albums in order to convey a false idea that one is superior to the other or that only one band really understands what makes death metal great. Both bands are among the giants of current generation death metal and bring to the music not only technical proficiency, but also an ability to write genuinely powerful songs. I've already reviewed some amazing death metal albums this year and these two recordings certainly make this year one of the best.

I think I'll drop the comparisons for now and say a few things about A Never-Ending Cycle of Atonement exclusively. Simply put, I loved this album. The band consistently lays down powerful musical chops, the kind that not only puts the "technical" in technical death metal, but also makes other musicians jealous. I know that not everybody likes this style of metal, but how can anyone resist the relentless energies of guitar parts like these? Even better, this band knows how to mix musical elements together seamlessly. Check out any of the tracks and you'll understand why. These guys draw out the best of death metal and then, easily and comfortably, add the support of other musicians, instruments, and sounds. My interest in the album really took off with the fourth track—"The Rune of Destruction"—but never wavered after that. As I write this, I'm listening to "The Rune of Destruction" and "The Catacomb of Mirrors" again and again. I can't get enough. As I suggested, though, the tracks on this album move forward, adding strength to strength and giving listeners some of the best metal of its kind so far this year. Listen and enjoy.

Track Listing:
1. Om Mani Padme Um
2. Omen
3. Bioluminescent Photophores
4. The Rune of Destruction
5. The Catacomb of Mirrors
6. Starting through Fire
7. Out of Body Experience
8. Duelling Shadows

Added: August 29th 2014
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 1955
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]