ALBUM REVIEW: Nascency – I Am Destruction
Death metal has evolved into a multi-faceted genre with a vibrant array of varying styles. From the sheer mind-warping complexity of technical death to the pulverising ferociousness of slam and brutal death metal, metal’s most visceral genre is certainly a rich and colourful musical tapestry. Intending to make their mark on the scene, Texan outfit I AM DESTRUCTION arrive with their debut effort Nascency, a record which straddles both the technicality and brutality of tech-death and brutal death metal.
Fusing the complexity of tech death with the pulverising power of slam is nothing new, bands like ABORTED and ORIGIN have been leading the pack for this fusion for years. It’s fortunate then, that I AM DESTRUCTION aren’t just looking to capitalise on other band’s successes, Nascency is one brutal listen, reinforced with subtle technical flourishes to break up the carnage. Disregard the predictable and, rather unnecessary, horror movie introduction which the genre has done to death, Propagated By Abnormality gives the first taster to the band’s firepower and it is one colossal beast. Slamming riffs that DEVOURMENT would be proud of swing like a wrecking ball and Stephen Mashburn‘s guttural vocal blasts fit the template extremely well. Splashes of technical-driven riffing and a venomous solo helps keep you on your toes as the band’s clever use of pacing ensures that things remain feeling fresh. It’s a hell of a song and one that kicks off the record in the best possible way.
From there, I AM DESTRUCTION keep things moving with the utmost aggression. Ruinous Phantasm‘s hefty riffing and double bass clicks from drummer Buddy Griffin keep the pace flowing in the top gear, Burgeoning Adversary‘s dynamic switches from technically complicated structures to slamming riffs is effortless as it is brutal and Divine Infestation boasts some of the best technical moments on the entire record thanks to some devilishly slick guitar work from Mashburn and Paul Dundas.
Even as Nascency enters its final stretch, I AM DESTRUCTION refuse to lower the intensity. Existence In Decay‘s short instrumental passage of slamming riffs does an admirable job of kicking off the final third of the album, although it feels like a throwaway number compared to the steller Consequent Forfeiture and the bludgeoning Gehenna’s Beckoning. Dolor Perdition and the title track serve up one last vicious one-two punch and whilst both tracks certainly carry on the band’s appetite for destruction, at this point, after sustained listening the impact is lessened somewhat. By no means is this detriment to the band’s musical abilities, the songs stand strong on their individual merits, but, as a body of work, it feels more blunt than razor-sharp.
For a debut, Nascency is a vicious slab of brutal death metal. Offering an eviscerating sound whilst flirting in the realms of technicality, for those who like their metal as heavy as it gets, they will find a lot to love with I AM DESTRUCTION. Whilst the record may lose some of its bludgeoning impact in its later stages, there is no doubting that the band possess an awesome amount of firepower. Nascency is a s solid foundation for the band to make their mark on the modern death metal scene.
Rating: 8/10
Nascency is set for release April 24th via Unique Leader.
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