Technical & progressive black/death metal is all the rage on Dying Vine, the re-release of Aletheian's 2005 CD, now out on Ironclad/Metal Blade Records. This Pennsylvania four-piece deliver a crushing and complex form of progressive extreme metal, the songs littered with dizzing guitar riffs, tricky rhythms & odd meters, occasional atmospheric keyboards and acoustic guitars, a myriad of vocal styles from Joel Thorpe, and some extremely deep lyrics, which seem to have a somewhat spiritual nature to them. If you like stuff from the likes of Arsis, Death, Behemoth, or Brain Drill, chances are you will fall in love with Dying Vine on your first listen. Hard not to be impressed with the jackhammer drum blasts from Joe Walmer on "As the Fall Breaks", or the ridiculously intricate riffs from Alex Kenis & Donny Swigert on "Open Grave" or "Paragon". This is music that just twists and turns, bobs and weaves, painting a frightening portrait that is as artful as it is extreme. Every so often the band throws in some deft acoustic passages with floating keys and clean vocals (bringing to mind Opeth or Amorphis), which adds plenty of variety and depth to these at times breathtaking songs. Their speed/thrash attack on "The Dividing Line" is pretty damn mesmerizing, and they almost conjur up images of the mighty Carcass on the crushing "Call to Arms". And, quite frankly, any band that tackles a Cynic song, as they do with "How Could I" (and they do a great job) deserves plenty of props.
In short, this is a killer release full of surprises, and a must hear for anyone into progressive metal or technical extreme metal.
Track Listing
1. Paragon 4:34
2. Broken Legacy 3:17
3. Out From the Shadows 4:04
4. As the Fall Breaks 4:46
5. Open Grave 4:07
6. Shepherd's Fold 3:10
7. The Dividing Line 3:04
8. Call to Arms 5:28
9. Burnt Offerings 3:57
10. How Could I (Cynic cover) 4:44
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