ALBUM REVIEW: A Peaceful Annihilation – Tiberius

We have really been spoiled this year so far with some incredible albums in the progressive metal category. Hoping to become contenders amongst the top tier are Edinburgh’s TIBERIUS. They grabbed the spotlight with their previous EP The Beautiful Ones back in 2017 but have since turned their attention to crafting their debut full-length effort in the form of A Peaceful Annihilation which is due for release on Friday 26th. Will this album help nudge them up the ladder?

The New Subjugation kicks off this release in style as the ominous, dramatic intro blossoms into soaring vocals and burly guitar riffs. Technical flourishes make their presence felt and give you a taster of just what TIBERIUS are capable of. Mechanical Messiah continues the lively, vibrant pacing with a captivating lyrical prose and alluring melodies which ebb and flow through the varying scales of heaviness. This track possesses a particularly quirky nature which will draw you in with its unorthodox charm. Skylark offers up a cathartic, soothing tone which keeps you guessing with its simmering intensity. Thumping drum beats combine with a mixture of jabbing riffs and slick leadwork.

Fidelity Lost gleefully bounds along introducing addictive intricacies and ramping up the eccentricity as it advances. Anchor displays a punk style vibe as its buoyancy and enticing hooks links up with uplifting orchestral elements and a positive atmosphere. Leviathan ups the ante with a swift tempo change and a heavier theatrical edge which heightens the intrigue and keeps you engaged.

Maintaining the energised state of mind Dissipate throws frenetic guitar work and punchy drum beats into the mix topped off with another commanding vocal display. Republican takes a different approach with a more darker, foreboding soundscape accompanied by more proficient riff execution. The end of the album may be approaching but there are no signs of complacency to be found, Swansong witnesses TIBERIUS flex their creative muscles as lively and embracing melodies seamlessly blend with powerful vocal pieces to provide one of the stand out tracks that A Peaceful Annihilation has to offer. Clocking in at 7 minutes Kaituma has a lot of responsibility on its shoulders to bring this release to a satisfying climax and it doesn’t disappoint. From galloping riffs to rapid fire drumming and scintillating vocal segments it possesses all the hallmarks of a film soundtrack and serves as the perfect adrenaline rush to leave this release on a dizzying high.

The progression TIBERIUS have made since The Beautiful Ones is astonishing. A Peaceful Annihilation feels like the total package as every track exudes a polished quality and are masterfully composed. There is a fine line between displaying technical excellence and ensuring that it is used to the benefit of the composition, TIBERIUS have nailed that sweet spot with impressive accuracy. This is exactly the kind of statement the quintet needed to make and it will be an exciting prospect to see where this release will lead them next.

Rating: 9/10

A Peaceful Annihilation is set for release on June 26th via self-release.

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