ALBUM REVIEW: The Impassable Horizon – Fractal Universe

FRACTAL UNIVERSE have become one of the bands to watch on the progressive death metal scene as their releases continue to grow in stature and appraisal. The French outfit are poised to unleash their latest effort entitled The Impassable Horizon which is due for release on June 25th via Metal Blade Records. Be prepared to pick your jaw up off the floor multiple times.

Autopoiesis propels you straight into feverish blastbeats and slick lead work giving the immediate indication that FRACTAL UNIVERSE are pulling no punches with this one. Swift riffing and commanding vocals which transition masterfully between melodic and aggressive phases provide the ideal punch to get this release off to an emphatic start.

A Clockwork Expectation follows suit with dramatic drum beats and ominous instrumentation that puts you on edge, wondering what may be about to strike. Immersive guitar work and the shifting in pacing keeps you gripped. The vocal segments are also incredibly captivating and the inclusion of a saxophone solo adds the cherry on the cake. Interfering Spherical Scenes dials up the intricacy with quirky time signatures and enticing grooves. This track is particularly complex with a variety of different layers being displayed but they are so well orchestrated that they work in unison rather than battling for prominence.

Symmetrical Masquerade exhibits a relaxed, jazzy vibe that lures you in only to hammer you with another savage wave of blast beats before resuming its casual tempo. The vocal hooks suit the unraveling arrangements perfectly. Falls of the Earth increases the tension once more with short, snappy riffing accompanied by powerful vocal blasts. As the track progresses more impressive technicality is introduced to further supplement the atmospherics. Withering Snowdrops surges forth with energetic riffing and lively drum beats that will get your blood pumping. The chorus is delightfully addictive. This track would be a lethal weapon if unleashed in a live setting, guaranteed to whip the crowd up into a frenzy. Black Sails of Melancholia takes a solemn shift with a sorrowful demeanor that bursts into life at appropriate moments. As it gathers momentum the mood turns rather bleak and sinister. 

A Cosmological Arch ups the ante as a blackened edge seeps in to add an extra bite. Frantic drumming and robust riffing inject an instant adrenaline rush. Additional saxophone segments slot seamlessly into the building intensity. Epitaph absorbs some of that viciousness, diving headfirst into chaotic riff work that will leave your head in a spin. Mesmerizing lead lines are also reeled off with impeccable precision.

Godless Machinists possesses an unnerving nature as the track chops and changes between subtle nuances and impactful instrumentation. The riffs are as impressive as they are intoxicating. This piece is the longest on the album by quite some stretch but every inch of its runtime is utterly engrossing. After the transcendental voyage just experienced it was a fitting choice to wind this release down with an unplugged version of Flashes of Potentialities from their previous album Rhizomes Of Insanity.

Progressive death metal can be an acquired taste as sometimes memorable hooks or melodies are sacrificed in favour of more obscure forms of technicality and venturing too deep into the well of extremity. This couldn’t be farther from the truth with The Impassable Horizon as it is composed of the perfect blend of all of these attributes. Boundless energy, euphoric melodies and an abundance of diverse textures will have your mouth watering. FRACTAL UNIVERSE somehow manage to keep topping their previous outings and conjuring up something even more dynamic and impressive. This has got to be one of the contenders for the best album of 2021.

Rating: 10/10

The Impassable Horizon is set for release on 25th June via Metal Blade Records

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