ALBUM REVIEW: Rhizomes Of Insanity – Fractal Universe

Engram Of Decline was hailed as one of the progressive death metal marvels of 2017 and now French outfit FRACTAL UNIVERSE have returned to further showcase their talents with sophomore release Rhizomes Of Insanity which is set for release on Friday via Metal Blade Records. Can this effort uphold the impressive standard that they have set for themselves?

Oneiric Realisations provides a strong opening with quirky but inviting guitar work. Subtle vocals soon transition into savage growls and energetic blast beats. The melodic chorus adds another layer of vibrancy to the track. The instrumentation contains a significant level of technicality but feels remarkably accessible. Flashes Of Potentialities opens with calming bass lines and a calming tone which is quickly negated by intricate riff work. The track navigates between chaos and serenity as the enticing chorus lures you into its grasp. Rising Oblivion launches into punchy drum beats and offbeat time signatures before a tense atmosphere descends. Further powerful vocal bursts follow combining with some vibrant, effective lead work.

A Reality To Foreclose possesses a dramatic introduction which you expect to dive into further anarchy but it chooses to follow a more restrained but addictive tempo. Vicious growls and invigorating guitar work follow later down the line as the track finely treads the line between peace and darkness. Masterpiece’s Parallelism significantly ups the technicality as FRACTAL UNIVERSE begin to flex their muscles with frantic riffs executed with rapid precision. The melodic edge is still maintained in conjunction with copious waves of groove and some audacious sweeping. Parabola Of Silence comes into focus with ominous echoing tones and whispering vocals which lead you straight into an intense barrage of blast beats. The chaos begins to escalate with some frenzied fretwork as you are enveloped in a sea of riffs.

Madness’ Arebesques commences with an obscure arrangement of harmonics before launching directly into mind bending riffs that ebb and flow between fury and melody. The track is as eccentric as it is captivating, following a trail littered with twists and turns. Architectural Aberrations is equipped with a steady tempo and short, snappy guitar work as an almost theatrical narrative takes hold. Further instances of flawlessly executed drumming enhance the track. Fundamental Dividing Principal best displays the experimental nature of the quartet as the track throws some alluring bass lines, demonic growling and intriguing vocoder segments into the mix with bouts of feverish aggression for good measure. A short saxophone piece adds the exclamation point. Chiasmus Of The Damned exchanges the swift riff assault with a steady, calmer tempo whilst sustaining the established intensity. Further flourishes of adept musicianship are showcased to achieve a euphoric crescendo.

FRACTAL UNIVERSE had seemingly constructed an uphill battle for themselves with how well debut full length Engram Of Decline was received but Rhizomes Of Insanity has expertly built upon those foundations and emphasised that the quartet are far from being a flash in the pan. The diversities that lay within this release will continue to grasp your gaze and have you revisiting to gain a further understanding of the underlaying concepts.

Rating: 9/10

Rhizomes Of Insanity is set for release April 19th via Metal Blade Records.

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