ALBUM REVIEW: Amongst The Low & Empty – Signs Of The Swarm
Deathcore bruisers SIGNS OF THE SWARM don’t like to stay still for too long, steadily unleashing releases every couple of years. Their next bundle of tricks entitled Amongst The Low & Empty is due for release on July 28th via their new residence of Century Media Records and isn’t one for the faint of heart.
Like a bloodthirsty predator, Amongst The Low & Empty goes straight for the throat with crushing grooves and vicious growls. Chaotic drum sequences immediately have your head in a spin. Tower Of Torsos maintains the assault as powerful beatdowns combine with unrelenting ferocity, battering you from all angles. The rhythmic delivery of the vocal work slots into the chaos like a match made in hell. Pray For Death surges like a train through your ribcage with thunderous blast beats and maniacally woven riffing. There really is no letting up with this release.
Borrowed Time introduces haunting atmospherics into its toolbox of torture. This approach works like a dream, amplifying the energetic bouts of aggression. Between Fire And Stone somehow manages to sound even heavier than its counterparts. Seismic hooks send shockwaves through your eardrums as frontman David Simonich engages beast mode with a string of primal vocal explosions. If you’re still with us by this stage Shackles Like Talons provides a brief moment of clarity with soothing clean tones. Whilst we know these are destined to be shortlived it offers some vital seconds to catch your breath. Before you know it you are engulfed in yet another storm of brutality.
DREAMKILLER serves up an additional round of punishing drum work and pounding riffing. Within the unravelling destruction are some incredibly addictive hooks, if you’re brave enough to stick your head into the mouth of the shark. The Witch Beckons possesses a pretty special guest feature in the form of Matt Heafy. A man who needs zero introduction, his signature screams perfectly supplement the feverish intensity. Echelon intends to destroy what little remains of your body at this stage, grinding it into dust with a whirlwind of industrial accompaniments, caustic vocal segments and hammering drum beats.
Faces Without Names powers on toward the finishing line, refusing to budge an inch or offer a single shred of remorse. The alluring hooks sprinkled throughout add a particular highlight. Malady is packed to the brim with chilling dissonance. The closing sequence certainly leaves a lasting impression, providing a feeling of claustrophobia and horror in equal measure.
Amongst The Low & Empty is one hell of a journey, packed with an arsenal of combustible elements that should be handled with care. The variety which SIGNS OF THE SWARM have meticulously poured into this spawn of satan ensures you’re gripped throughout every twist and turn on this treacherous journey. The Pennsylvanian wrecking crew have proved that they deserve to sit amongst the top of the pack.
Rating: 9/10
Amongst The Low & Empty is set for release on July 28th via Century Media Records.
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