Dying Wish – Symptoms Of Survival

Oregon’s Dying Wish roars back with their sophomore album, “Symptoms Of Survival,” a relentless display of metallic might that builds upon the foundation laid by their 2021 debut. The album is a whirlwind of crushing riffs, throat-shredding vocals, and raw emotional intensity, exploring themes of personal struggle and societal ills. Let’s dive into the sonic carnage, track by track:

• Symptoms Of Survival (Title Track): The album explodes with its namesake track, a high-octane adrenaline shot that sets the tone for the rest of the record. D-beat drumming and pummeling riffs pave the way for vocalist Jonathan Vigil’s venomous snarl, a perfect embodiment of the album’s title.
• False Deliverance: This track showcases Dying Wish’s knack for crafting catchy hooks within their brutal soundscape. The chorus is a mosh-pit anthem, fueled by soaring melodies and relentless double bass drumming.
• Path To Your Grave: A welcome injection of tempo change, “Path To Your Grave” throws down a mid-paced groove punctuated by bursts of aggression. The song features a melancholic clean vocal section that adds a layer of unexpected depth, hinting at the emotional core beneath the surface.
• Prey For Me: This track is pure, unadulterated hardcore fury. Breakneck drumming and a crushing breakdown make “Prey For Me” a guaranteed live show highlight, demanding a violent headbanging response.
• Vicious Circle: A return to the high-octane assault, “Vicious Circle” is a relentless display of technicality and aggression. Guitarist A.J. Ochoa unleashes a flurry of impressive leads, while the rhythm section lays down a punishing foundation.
• Paved In Sorrow: A stark contrast to the preceding tracks, “Paved In Sorrow” is a haunting ballad that delves into themes of guilt and loss. Vigil’s clean vocals shine here, imbued with a raw vulnerability that adds a powerful emotional punch.
• Hell’s Final Blessing: The album takes a turn for the anthemic with “Hell’s Final Blessing.” The track features a sing-along chorus and a galloping riff that evokes a sense of defiance and righteous anger.
• Deceiver: This track throws everything but the kitchen sink at the listener, with tempo changes, blistering guitar solos, and a swirling vortex of sonic fury. It’s a showcase of Dying Wish’s ability to keep the listener engaged with unexpected twists and turns.
• Our Wretched End: The album concludes with a slow-burning epic. Doomy riffs and atmospheric passages create a sense of impending doom, before erupting into a final burst of aggression, leaving a lasting impression.

Dying Wish – Symptoms Of Survival is a potent cocktail of metallic fury and emotional depth. The album showcases the band’s growth as musicians and songwriters, while staying true to their roots in classic metalcore. While a few tracks might feel slightly derivative, the overall experience is exhilarating and unforgettable. For fans of bands like Killswitch Engage and Parkway Drive, “Symptoms Of Survival” is a must-listen.