ALBUM REVIEW: Egoiista – Exist

Despite their fair share of adversity Baltimore progressive death metal outfit EXIST have been going from strength to strength since the release of 2017’s So True, So Bound sealing support slots to the likes of GORGUTS and OBSCURA on this journey. It is now time for them to make their return with third studio album Egoiista which is available now via Prosthetic Records. Interestingly the bulk of this material was originally written many years ago and has since been reshaped and re-imagined since its initial creation. Will this care and attention pay dividends?

Commencing a release with a 10 minute track is a bold statement in itself but nothing can prepare you for the sheer stages of complexity which unfold within Through Suffering He Paints The Universe. Throwing you headfirst into quirky, funky rhythms which are weirdly calming but still contain heightened levels of intricacy. Chunky bass lines and technical flourishes lead the way before the track takes an abruptly violent turn as the aggression pours in like a ruptured dam. Potent screams and frenzied drumming assist in weaving a web of twisting, turning chaos and this is only the beginning.

The initial opening to The Lottery offers up some ominous tones before transitioning into further expertly executed mania. Whilst feeling like an assault on your senses it is also remarkably inviting in its own demented way. Thunderous drum sections, visceral vocal blasts and brain melting guitar wizardry join forces to make your brain rattle inside of your skull. Until The Storm doesn’t display the same unhinged tendencies as its predecessors but still continues the dramatic energy instilled thus far. Sharp, vibrant riffing adds an extra edge to proceedings.

Infinite Monkey Theorem jumps directly into commanding, enticing guitar work accompanied by shrill, blood curdling screams. Jarring tempo shifts butt heads with swathes of melody, displaying captivating layers of diversity. The track lures you in effortlessly, ensuring you are engaged with every varying chapter. The extensive run time seems to just evaporate in an instant as you are ensnared in its devilish charms. Siblings Born Into Different Dimensions whisks you away with serene atmospherics and subtle, calming tones, showing a completely different side to this multi-faceted outfit. Egocosm follows a similar softer style with alluring bass lines leading the way before the intensity begins to simmer once more, teasing you with short spurts of energy to keep you on your toes. As the track progresses the darkness returns from its slumber to reclaim its territory.

The brief yet equally tense interlude Last Flight Looming makes you take your eye off the ball long enough for the riff barrage that is Spotlight’s Glow to hit you right in the face. Everything is kicked up a gear as blast beats and scintillating shredding take hold. Smooth melodies, eerie synths and frenetic eccentricity somehow find a way to co-exist amongst the madness and are executed impeccably. Amongst The Trees sees that Egoiista is given a befitting final conclusion. Whilst it may not leave us with one final foray of carnage it is an appropriate exclamation point for what has proven to be quite the rollercoaster.

Amalgamating the nostalgic proficiency of DEATH and meshing it together with the more current jazz drenched ferocity of REVOCATION is no easily achievable feat but EXIST have constructed a whirlwind of compositional excellence. There is no singular point where Egoiista becomes predictable, constantly keeping you guessing as to what may be lurking around the next bend. 2020 has already blessed us with a lot of top tier releases and this effort certainly deserves a place amongst the elite.

Rating: 8/10

Egoiista is out now via Prosthetic Records.

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