ALBUM REVIEW: The Outer Ones – Revocation
REVOCATION are by no means newbies to the metal scene, they are however criminally underrated and have studiously paved their own way rigorously touring America over recent years. Despite never quite achieving the heights as the likes of CANNIBAL CORPSE or THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER the quartet are poised to show why they are one of the most outrageously consistent bands in the world of death metal as the release of their seventh studio album draws ever nearer. The Outer Ones is out via Metal Blade Records, will it finally propel them to the recognition that they rightly deserve?
Opening track, and previously released single, Of Unworldly Origin begins the initiation process with frenzied shredding, blast beats and a gruesome snarl courtesy of frontman David Davidson. The intensity nearly flies right off the scale straight out of the starting blocks. The blend of utter ferocity coupled with melodic jazzy riffing which brought them to the dance has remained a key element of this arrangement. That Which Consumes All Things harnesses the same face melting tempo with bone jarring, death metal infused brutality. The punchy bass lines remain prominent throughout which provides an extra level of eccentricity. Every musician is on top of their game and it becomes instantly evident as they gel together to evoke an utterly evil tone. Blood Atonement takes a more progressive twist with some elaborate guitar work and vicious, bellowing vocal passages. Davidson executes his lyrical projection to perfection as no pronunciation is lost, a skill which can always be the Achilles Heel of the extreme side of metal.
Fathomless Catacombs commences with increasingly addictive riffing which oozes vibrancy. The technicality is evident at every turn but it doesn’t feel too overwhelming. As the mid way point approaches further intoxicating guitar work is displayed which is destined to become ingrained in your mind hours after listening. Title track The Outer Ones is where REVOCATION particularly start to flex their instrumental proficiency, the drum work is mesmerising and the riffing sounds as sadistic as they’ve ever been before. As the chaos progresses it feels like being dragged into the eye of the storm while devastation swirls relentlessly around you. Vanitas doesn’t supply any indication of letting up, the tempo may be a tad more subdued than it’s predecessor but the impact is just as powerful. Melodic tones ebb and flow through the varying stages of the track. As the latter moments approach some flamboyant lead work is unleashed to dramatic effect. Ex Nihilo kick starts with an intricate, black metal tinged bout of riffing as The Outer Ones begins to focus on the instrumental expertise that the band can effortlessly offer in abundance. Virtuoso style musicianship takes centre stage with some impressive solo experimentation showcasing Davidson at his imperious best.
Luciferous blindsides you from out of nowhere with rapid, demonic shredding and crushing drum work taking a completely different path. The intensity ramps up considerably as the track gains momentum. The layered vocals and sweeping bass lines are particularly effective. It feels like a surprise that the concluding track is already upon us but A Starless Darkness makes its arrival known with downtuned, menacing guitar work. Considering its heavy nature the arrangement has quite a melodic, upbeat vibe. Whilst not as sonically destructive as what has come before the track still displays a very high level of musicianship as it meanders fluidly through a range of transformations.
As if it was ever in any doubt REVOCATION have once again delivered another slab of phenomenal instrumentation. As their previous material has also been of such strong construction it is difficult to gauge where The Outer Ones sits in contention amongst the ranks but is most certainly up there as one of the most experimental and fearless offerings that the band have created. You will be hard pushed to find many death metal albums possessing this calibre in the remainder of 2018.
Rating: 9/10
The Outer Ones is out now via Metal Blade Records.
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