ALBUM REVIEW: Dreamcatcher – Aenimus

Six years ago, things were quite difficult in the deathcore world. The genre so clearly defined and established by the likes of WHITECHAPEL and ALL SHALL PERISH was steadily dissipating as the list of debuts became smaller every year, and little was offered to revolutionise a style approaching its theoretical limits. Those that did stumble onto the scene in such dark and desperate times were met with open arms, as the competent and bright new future of the sound.

It was six years ago that Bay Area deathcore freshmen AENIMUS first appeared on the wider community’s radar. Though three of the tracks from their debut, Transcend Reality, had appeared on a short EP three years earlier, it was not until 2013 that they captivated the attention of technically minded deathcore fans around the world. An ambitious debut, it was sure to propel the band onward. Though the album was a clear cut case of the singles being the highlight, Transcend Reality was a worthy first step.

However, soon afterwards, guitarist Brian James departed the ranks to join FALLUJAH, much to the latter’s benefit. The talented Miles Baker stepped in in his place, only to soon depart for RINGS OF SATURN. This transitional period appears to have stunted progress on AENIMUS’s sophomore album, for this review has been waiting six years to be written. 2019 has reared its ugly head, bringing with it Dreamcatcher, and a new sound and line-up for the band.

Dreamcatcher, without further ado, is a perfectly capable album. The production is well rounded, the guitars are punchy, and the low end rumbles with the best of them. It sounds fairly fantastic. The band has added much to their musical arsenal, including a host of atmospherics and backing instruments, along with some melodically proficient clean singing sections. There is an actual mood, a feeling, a sense of being and life and vigour this time around, instead of a mere list of songs, as Transcend Reality seemed to be. This is an album that, on paper, sounds incredible.

Unfortunately, the album, while most definitely an improvement over its predecessor, does not live up to the standards set by the band’s former members. Brian James is a near virtuosic guitarist, and a proficient writer. While the structuring and pacing of Dreamcatcher are certainly strong elements here, the gulf in the sound left behind by his departure is noticeable, most particularly where the album’s solos are concerned. While Transcend Reality was actually fairly sparing with regards to its lead sections, Dreamcatcher presents far more opportunities for freeform noodling. Alas, these sections were all handled by one Sean Swafford. Swafford is not a bad player by any means. However, with Dreamcatcher, he does seem to be punching above his weight. His vision cannot be faulted, but he seems to lack the technical ability needed to translate his vision to reality. Take the stumbling, clumsy lead section of Between Iron and Silver. It is clear what was being attempted, but it is not executed with the finesse required. When compared with the previous track, The Dark Triad, on which Brian James returns for a guest solo, the difference is painfully obvious, and paints an all too clear picture of what AENIMUS is missing, especially when compared to tracks such as Transcend Reality’s eloquent Inertia.

Dreamcatcher is a strong effort, that much cannot be denied, and shows a significant step forward with regards to AENIMUS’s evolution as a band, breathing fresh life into their formula. The lengthy wait has translated into a new and vibrant dimension added to their repertoire. This is a great album, but the band perhaps needs another under their belt in order for their technical capabilities to catch up with their ambitious vision.

Rating: 7/10

Dreamcatcher is out now via Nuclear Blast Records. 

Like AENIUMUS on Facebook.