San Diego’s Ascended Dead return from the depths with their sophomore album, “Evenfall of the Apocalypse,” six years after their well-received debut, “Abhorrent Manifestation.” This latest offering proves the band hasn’t mellowed with age, delivering a potent dose of old-school death metal that will satisfy fans of the genre’s early pioneers.
“Evenfall of the Apocalypse” wastes no time establishing its dominance. The aptly titled intro bleeds seamlessly into the pulverizing opening riff of “Abhorrent Manifestation,” a clear callback to the band’s debut. Drummer Charlie Koryn (also of Morbid Angel fame) lays down a relentless foundation of blast beats that propel the music forward with unstoppable momentum. Guitarists Rob and Ken whipsaw between churning riffs and dissonant leads, creating a dense and suffocating atmosphere.
Ascended Dead wears their influences proudly on their sleeve. Shades of Possessed, Sarcófago, and early Morbid Angel can be heard throughout the album. However, the band avoids mere imitation, injecting their own sense of feral aggression and chaotic energy into the mix. Vocals alternate between guttural growls and high-pitched shrieks, adding another layer of sonic brutality.
While the album primarily operates at breakneck tempos, there are moments of surprising nuance. Tracks like “Entombment Eternal” showcase the band’s ability to craft memorable mid-paced grooves, while the instrumental interlude “Vacuous Epiphany” provides a welcome moment of respite before plunging back into the abyss.
The production on “Evenfall of the Apocalypse” is appropriately raw and cavernous, perfectly capturing the band’s old-school death metal aesthetic. The guitars have a satisfying crunch, the drums sound like thunderous explosions, and the bass provides a thick low-end rumble.
Fans of classic death metal will find much to love about “Evenfall of the Apocalypse.” Ascended Dead delivers a masterclass in sonic brutality, with enough songwriting chops to keep things interesting throughout the album’s brisk 40-minute runtime. However, those seeking a more progressive or modern take on the genre might find the album’s adherence to traditional formula a bit predictable.
Highlights: “Abhorrent Manifestation,” “Entombment Eternal,” “Vacuous Epiphany” (instrumental)
Overall: A pulverizing and satisfying return to form for Ascended Dead. “Evenfall of the Apocalypse” is a must-listen for fans of old-school death metal who crave a potent dose of sonic brutality and chaotic energy.
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