Botanist – Paleobotany

Botanist returns with “Paleobotany,” an album that further cements their position at the forefront of progressive death metal. This record is a masterful blend of brutality, beauty, and scientific intrigue, offering a captivating journey through the prehistoric world.

Song by Song Breakdown:

• Spores of Adoxophyllaceae: The album explodes with a flurry of blast beats and churning guitars, instantly setting the aggressive tone. Intricate melodies weave through the chaos, hinting at the complexities to come.
• Fossil Formation: The pace slows somewhat, allowing space for Otrebor’s guttural growls to take center stage. The lyrics delve into the process of fossilization, adding a layer of intellectual depth to the music.
• Lignophytes: This track showcases Botanist’s penchant for experimentation. Eastern-influenced melodies and unexpected time signatures create a truly unique soundscape.
• Cambrian Explosion: A return to full-on assault, with breakneck drumming and razor-sharp riffs. The song evokes the rapid diversification of life during the Cambrian period.
• In The Grip of Algorithmic Nature: A breathtaking instrumental piece. Lush soundscapes and soaring melodies take center stage, offering a moment of respite from the relentless brutality.
• Jurassic Floral Dominion: The guitars take on a decidedly groovy feel, creating a head-bobbing rhythm that’s surprisingly catchy for such a technical song.
• Cretaceous Terrestrial Paradise: A melancholic atmosphere pervades this track, with clean guitars and mournful vocals painting a picture of a lost world.
• Paleocene Extinction: The album ends with a flourish of technical mastery. The song is a sonic representation of the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs, leaving a sense of awe and desolation in its wake.

Overall Impression:

“Paleobotany” is a remarkable achievement. Botanist manages to balance their signature brutality with moments of surprising beauty and intricate songwriting. The scientific themes add a layer of intellectual intrigue that sets them apart from their peers. This album is a must-listen for fans of progressive death metal and anyone who appreciates music that pushes boundaries.

Final Verdict:

With its impressive blend of technicality, atmosphere, and intellectual depth, “Paleobotany” is a flourishing testament to Botanist’s evolution as a band. While it might be challenging for casual listeners, for those seeking a truly unique and rewarding experience, this album delivers in spades. (4. out of 5)