Buckle up, metalheads, because Afterbirth’s “In But Not Of” is not your typical death metal album. This unpredictable odyssey throws listeners headfirst into a swirling vortex of genre-bending brutality.
From the opening salvo of “Devils With Dead Eyes” to the closing riffs of “Tightening The Screws,” Afterbirth establishes themselves as pioneers of experimental extreme metal. Their sound is a constantly shifting landscape, incorporating elements beyond the usual death metal tropes.
Will Smith’s vocals, described as “gurgle vocals” in a review by The Progressive Subway [progressive subway afterbirth], add a distinct layer of grotesquerie to the music. Yet, even within the sonic chaos, Colin Marston’s production (who also produced for bands like Portal and Krallice) ensures a surprising level of clarity, allowing each riff and drumbeat to hit with maximum impact.
Everything Is Noise [Everything Is Noise afterbirth] calls “In But Not Of” “one of the most enjoyable slices of music” in the genre this year. High praise considering how challenging the album can be at times. Afterbirth doesn’t shy away from complexity, weaving intricate arrangements into their brand of brutal metal. The result is an album that rewards repeated listens, with new details emerging each time you crank it up.
“In But Not Of” is not for the faint of heart. But for those seeking an extreme metal experience that pushes boundaries and defies expectations, Afterbirth’s latest offering is a must-listen.
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