ALBUM REVIEW: Entropic Reflections Continuum: Dimensional Unravel – VoidCeremony

California’s VOIDCEREMONY are one of many bands within the US that are keeping the classic death metal sound alive. Taking plenty of inspiration from the early US death metal sound, and in particular DEATH, the band already have three excellent EPs of old school death metal, tinged with some progressive flourishes, to their name, garnering themselves a solid reputation. Their latest release, and first full-length, Entropic Reflections Continuum: Dimensional Unravel signifies not only the bands most impressive output to date, but also their ascent to prominence within the worldwide death metal underground.

Desiccated Whispers takes a classic death metal formula, with plenty of great thrash rhythms, and applies a liberal dose of jarring chords and progressive elements, with some particular impressive bass lines and authoritative drumming being the backbone of the track, with whirlwind guitars and sepulchral roars fleshing out the sound and injecting plenty of aggression and technicality into the mix, providing a dark take on a tried and tested formula. Sacrosanct Delusions is, if anything, far more chaotic, with dizzying, demented guitars and thunderous drumming building a powerful wall of noise, with the bass ebbing and flowing into the forefront of the song. The coarse vocal style works incredibly well here, adding a raw edge to the otherwise tight and precise sound.

Empty, Grand Majesty (Cyclical Descent of Causality) carries the heavy DEATH influence forward, but with a chunky groove giving this song a much thicker and powerful undercurrent, acting as the perfect backdrop to the stunning, virtuoso leads that are generously spread throughout this track. As the album’s longest track, it’s also it’s most eclectic, and manages to have as many brilliant riffs and magnificent, subtle flourishes courtesy of the bass and drums, which not only display the high level of musicianship VOIDCEREMONY possesses, but also makes for the most interesting offering on the record.

Binded to Unusual Existence, with its more rabid and aggressive sound, proves to be another highlight of the album. Coupling a much denser guitar sound with a primitive, cacophonous drum sound, it proves to be a far heavier affair than the tracks that preceded it, making for an excellent instrumental track that draws the listener back in. Abandoned Reality takes the darker and more groove-laden sound of the last track and builds upon it, with much more robust rhythms and throaty, bellicose vocals providing an excellent backdrop for some of the most imaginative and catchy leads to feature on the whole album, making it one of its stand out offerings. Solemn Reflections of the Void brings together all of the elements that have made this album so great, from the expert guitar work and bubbling bass hooks to precise, intricate drums and monstrous vocals, giving this song a powerful, tighter sound that works extremely well, and helps to end the album on a high note.

Everything about this album, from the music itself to the production, is firmly planted within the old school, with the production and in particular the bass sound bringing to mind the likes of Individual Thought Patterns in its dizzying and impressive scope. Despite its preponderance towards a more traditional feel, the music itself feels fresh and invigorating, with a ridiculously high level of musicianship that at times makes what you’re listening to daunting. VOIDECEREMONY are clearly insanely talented, and if they keep producing music like this they could ascend to the same level of acclaim as many of the bands from who they draw inspiration.

Rating: 8/10

Entropic Reflections Continuum: Dimensional Unravel is out now via 20 Buck Spin.

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