ALBUM REVIEW: Labyrinthian – The Breathing Process
In 2008, In Waking: Divinity launched itself into being one of the most prominent influential debuts that infused genres. Its parents, THE BREATHING PROCESS, wove melodic and symphonic styles of black metal around modern deathcore, setting a benchmark for a generation of bands alike to follow. Their latest effort, Labyrinthian, sees the band forge forward through a shroud of nightmares to continue fighting for their heavyweight title.
As the album tears into existence with opening track Terminal, there’s an instantly recognisable development in the band’s sound. Whilst THE BREATHING PROCESS have dabbled in the aforementioned styles of black metal, there’s more refinement of those elements here. It’s a violent affair of melodies, power-house symphonics and crushing blast beats. That ferocious attack is something that Labyrinthian does not give room to breathe.
That consistent barrage makes for an effortless way for the album to flow, and despite the overall heaviness, it certainly makes for an easier listen. Despite this, there are moments which just fall a little further short than other tracks on the album. I Sleep, I Wake weighs in at just over seven minutes long, and whilst it is an intended epic, it feels a little recycled. It is a fairly common thing to come across within the realms of death metal, and despite their efforts to explore more avenues, it doesn’t feel like these moments that are meant to grab the attention of people have been given the time they deserve to really shine.
Needless to say, Labyrinthian is an album that falls into the death metal category, and as mentioned, it can feel a little repetitive, regardless of the band, but it doesn’t make for a boring moment. It just requires a little more seasoning to some of the characteristics that aren’t as commanding to their dominant counterparts such as the symphonic work and the fast-paced harshened riffs. Where THE BREATHING PROCESS does add that little sparkle though is in the elegant piano work alongside the harmonious melodies from the guitars. In some sense, the band have been able to create an atmosphere of what feels like could be hell out of such stunning and mature playing.
This album is a constant assault that is designed to cause pain and torment, and whilst Labyrinthian may not be one of the strongest contenders in the death metal genre and subgenres, it certainly exposes why THE BREATHING PROCESS are on the pedestal they are now, and why they have paved the path for many others following in their footsteps. Labyrinthian is a stellar example of getting the balance of infusing genres just right enough to create ultimate terror.
Rating: 7/10
Labyrinthian is out now via Unique Leader Records.
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