ALBUM REVIEW: Phenomena II – Within The Ruins
Massachusetts-based deathcore outfit WITHIN THE RUINS are almost considered elder statesmen of the genre, having been around since the early 00s. This hasn’t however dulled their hunger or drive to continue pushing forward. Their seventh full length effort Phenomena II is available now via MNRK Heavy and looks set to be another successful instalment for the quartet.
Castle In The Sky doesn’t take long to engulf you in waves of frantic instrumentation. Blistering drumming and swift riffing will have your head in a spin. Impressive leadwork also makes an emphatic opening statement. Daywalker hits you straight in the face with bludgeoning grooves and devilish ferocity. Electronic elements loiter around the periphery of this fiery ball of aggression. Demon Killer keeps the wheels spinning at full velocity, opting for jabbing riff sequences as opposed to blunt force trauma.
Level 12 brings plentiful, silky skills to the table. Intricacy, precision, showmanship, all neatly tied up into an energetic instrumental package. Eater Of Worlds returns to the whirlwind of chaos, never staying in the same place for more than a split second. The Last Son adopts a slower, restrained approach, utilising atmospherics to add to the dramatic soundscape. This proves to be a clever choice, changing the blueprint and keeping things fresh. Chaos Reigns shifts back into a higher gear with meaty hooks and vicious vocal bursts.
Death Mask possesses a distinct catchiness amongst the intense flurries of polished musicianship, that brings a bit of added flavour to the mix. Corruption zips off into the distance at lightning pace, very rarely stopping to catch its breath. A World On Fire twists and turns in many different directions at a moments notice to keep the listener guessing. The orchestration is cleverly layered and avoids becoming too muddled in the arrangement. Enigma II is as wild as it is endearing, some moments will make you grin, others will make you gasp at the insane levels of proficiency. A very fitting means of bringing this effort to its conclusion.
WITHIN THE RUINS are somewhat a victim of their own talent. You are so used to hearing them unleashing unfathomable bouts of riffing that it is easy to take it for granted. Phenomena II doesn’t deviate too much from their tried, tested and carefully crafted model but it still provides a wealth of highlights throughout. If you happen to be a fan of the Marvel/DC universes there will be plenty of nods to characters for you to unearth and sink your teeth into. A solid outing to add to the collection.
Rating: 8/10
Phenomena II is out now via MNRK Heavy.
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