Fabricant Emerges from the Wilderness with “Drudge to the Thicket”

California-based death metal outfit Fabricant bursts onto the scene with their debut album, “Drudge to the Thicket,” a relentless exploration of technicality and dissonance. Released in September 2023 via Profound Lore Records, this album is a dense and demanding listen, but rewards repeated exploration for those seeking a fresh and challenging take on the genre.

Fabricant’s sound draws clear inspiration from the technical death metal masters. Comparisons to bands like Gorguts and Death are inevitable, particularly in the album’s focus on intricate riffs, constantly shifting time signatures, and the atonal flourishes that pepper the compositions. However, Fabricant avoids mere imitation, injecting their music with a distinctly chaotic and unsettling atmosphere.

The real strength of “Drudge to the Thicket” lies in the musicianship. Guitarist Troy Southgate weaves a labyrinth of dissonant riffs and unpredictable leads, keeping the listener constantly on edge. Bassist Ryan Beattie provides a thunderous low-end foundation that locks in perfectly with Pendath’s impressive drum work. Pendath’s use of blast beats and intricate fills adds a relentless momentum to the music, while his incorporation of electronic elements adds a touch of futuristic sheen.

Vocally, Troy Southgate delivers a guttural growl that perfectly complements the music’s intensity. While not the most nuanced vocal performance, it effectively conveys a sense of primal aggression and despair. The focus on instrumental interplay often leaves the vocals buried in the mix, but this adds to the overall atmosphere of sonic claustrophobia.

“Drudge to the Thicket” is not a casual listening experience. The album’s relentless complexity and dense soundscapes demand a dedicated listener. However, for those who appreciate technical death metal with a healthy dose of dissonance and chaos, this album is a rewarding journey. Fabricant establishes themselves as a band to watch, offering a glimpse into a promising future for the genre.

Highlights: “Prey to Whom,” “Borderland Vigil,” “Adrift the Sleepless Swamp”

Overall: A challenging but rewarding debut for Fabricant. “Drudge to the Thicket” is a dense and dissonant exploration of technical death metal, perfect for fans who crave intricate musicianship and a sense of unsettling atmosphere.