ALBUM REVIEW: Sociopathic Constructs – Abnormality

The field of technical death metal has grown stronger with each passing year and to make your mark in amongst the rampant competition is no easy feat. Massachusetts’ own ABNORMALITY have carved their way to prominence earning themselves slots alongside top acts like SUFFOCATION and THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER. Their long awaited follow up to 2016’s Mechanisms Of Omniscience is now upon us in the form of third full length Sociopathic Constructs which is due for release on 10th May via Metal Blade Records. Will this release accelerate their rise to the top?

Opener Monarch Alpha comes barrelling in and grabs you by the throat within seconds as visceral growls and unforgiving drumming take hold of the track. A barrage of technical riff work comes flying at all angles as ABNORMALITY hold no punches. Penance continues the aural assault with flourishes of intricate flair interwoven amongst fierce guttural blasts. There are very little opportunities to catch your breath between the surges in brutality. Kakistocracy provides no such respite either as a rhythmic battering ensues. Raw aggression is the name of the game, there is not much melody to be found in the sea of chugging ferocity. The solo nonchalantly matches the intensity as you are immersed in a whirlwind of notes.

Transmogrification Of The Echoborgs dials down the frenzy for a brief moment as the intro dramatically builds into further bouts of energetic shredding. The drums harness that much force behind them that you can feel them resonate in your chest. A Catastrophic And Catalyzing Event resumes the carnage as a volley of sweeps and proficient riffing hit the mark. The clinical groove akin to DYING FETUS that flows throughout elevates the track beyond the realms of sheer insanity. Aeturnium adopts an eerie atmosphere as unnerving noises saunter through the landscape teeing up proceeding track Dying Breed. Tight pinch squeals and evil sounding melodies catch your attention and bring some inviting elements to the table. Turbo charged blastbeats and chilling growls dominate the track as it progresses.

A Seething Perversion gallops confidently ducking and weaving in and out of the eye of the storm with a bombardment of drum beats and savage riffs. The aptly titled Curb Stomp sustains the unforgiving bludgeoning, the demonic guitar work is enhanced by echoing lead work and rapid fire drumming.

If ABNORMALITY‘s goal was to efficiently sever your head from your neck then mission accomplished. However, the composition at times feels slightly overbearing. On occasion the musicianship is lost within the sheer unrelenting wall of sound. When they rein it in and go for a more purposeful approach it hits just as hard but allows the riffs room to breath. If you enjoy the kind of tech death metal that forcefully kicks your door down, spits in your face and puts its feet on your expensive coffee table then this is definitely the one for you.

Rating: 8/10

Sociopathic Constructs is set for release on May 10th via Metal Blade Records.

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