ALBUM REVIEW: Fearmonger – Beneath The Massacre

Whispers that Montreal tech-death progenitors BENEATH THE MASSACRE were gearing up for a permanent return following an eight-year hiatus would metamorphose into a full-blown cacophony towards the end of 2019. Tour dates were announced, a signing to label giants Century Media revealed and subsequent confirmation that album number four was forthcoming sent the online hype machine into overdrive. Throw SHADOW OF INTENT drummer Anthony Barone as an official member (alongside brothers Chris and Dennis Bradley and glass-gargling vocalist Elliot Desgagnés) into the revitalised mix and the anticipation for BENEATH THE MASSACRE version 2.0 peaked – and piqued the collective interest of a fanbase curious as to what sonic direction the quartet would head in moving forward.

Whether you’ve been with the band since the Mechanics of Dysfunction era or relished the later fret-wangling devastation of 2012’s Incongruous, as a listener you’ll be well acquainted with the technical maelstrom this Canadian crew wield; a startling marriage of mind-bending complexity and visceral fury that comes guaranteed with every record. And despite being under proverbial wraps for almost a decade, the band appeared to have picked right up right where they left off – remaining unapologetically true to their crushing style. Despite clocking in at under half an hour, Fearmonger is arguably even heavier than any of its predecessors, the ten songs herein – more akin to hyper-aggressive blasts – packing astonishing amounts of lethal riffs, virtuosic guitarwork and seamless dynamic shifts.

Beginning with a nerve-jangling soundbite, opener Rise of the Fearmonger wastes no time hurtling full throttle into a surgically precise assault on the senses that will instantly sound familiar and comforting to fans new and old. Lyrical stabs at humanity’s absurdity, anti-intellectualism and capitalism are fired off via Desgagnés’ subhuman barks before a glorious collision between abrasive melodies and inhuman rhythms drives things to a neck-snapping climax. The twisted shred of Hidden in Plain Sight and Of Gods and Machines’ no-holds barred flair ensure there’s zero respite in terms of the record’s urgency, whilst singles Treacherous and Autonomous Mind are the epitome of controlled chaos; delivering a flurry of deathly money shots from the former’s headbang-inducing outro to the face-melting sweeps and machine-gun fire drum blasts of the latter.

Take the time to delve into this multi-layered cornucopia however, and you’ll find even more to unwrap during its deceivingly brief running time. Whether it’s Return to Medusa’s ambient interlude, the prevalence of foot-thumping double-bass grooves or the progressive RINGS OF SATURN-esque noodling that unfurls sporadically amongst the Bradley brothers’ plethora of squeals and primal chugs, this is truly an album that only rewards with repeated listens. With Fearmonger, BENEATH THE MASSACRE are ushering in a brutal new chapter – and they’ll peel your face off from a mile away in the process.

Rating: 9/10

Fearmonger is out now via Century Media Records.

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