ALBUM REVIEW: The Sea of Tragic Beasts – Fit For An Autopsy
New Jersey’s FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY have been making significant waves in the realms of deathcore, particularly with their 2017 release The Great Collapse which has propelled them into the spotlight as one of the must see bands on the circuit. It is now time for them to build on their successes with the follow-up and fifth studio full length entitled The Sea Of Tragic Beasts which is available now via Nuclear Blast Records. Will this release elevate them to the next step in their meteoric rise?
The Sea Of Tragic Beasts commences with menacing intent as venomous vocal onslaughts are launched like deadly projectiles as groove drenched guitar work sets the tone. Melody weaves its way into the intense heaviness alongside clinically executed drum segments. FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY have come surging out of the gates like a rampaging bull. No Man Is Without Fear harbours a tense atmosphere before bludgeoning you with crushing ferocity. The vocals switch seamlessly between sinister screams and gruesome growls to perfectly accompany the veil of darkness sweeping over the track. Shepherd throws some skilful tapping sections into the mix which are closely followed by rapid fire riffing and skull rattling blastbeats. The scarily consistent energy levels combining with unrelenting downtuned instrumentation feels like you’re being engulfed by waves of seismic tremors. Your Pain Is Mine is no different as it instantly grabs you by the throat with reckless abandon. The chorus allows for soaring melodic elements to break through the wall of devastation adding additional diverse instances to proceedings.
Mirrors forges a different path with ominous clean tones which join forces with snappy drumming. The unpredictable nature exuded by this track extracts a variety of emotions as it chops and changes in tempo. The latter stages are riddled with pure evil as the intensity boils over into a spine tingling blast of raw power before abruptly welcoming silence. The opening riffs of Unloved echo into the ether as the track begins to gather momentum. There is a feeling of hope and despair which surrounds the arrangement that leaves you in a state of unease. The passion unleashed will send shivers down your spine. Mourn evokes the image of a freight train speeding in your direction as the swathes of melody continue to battle the aggressive tones for prominence. Addictive riffing runs rampant as devilish breakdowns ensnare you like a patient predator darting from out of its lair.
Warfare refuses to let The Sea Of Tragic Beasts burn out before it reaches the final stages as adrenaline fuelled technical proficiency is showcased throughout. Frenetic drumming, intricate guitar work and skin searing vocal outbursts provide the perfect ingredients. Birds Of Prey follows the unsettling demeanour of its counterparts as the bleakness supplements the boisterous mood that denies any form of encapsulation. Napalm Dreams allows for a moment of respite with its cathartic composition whilst still possessing the necessary injections of vigour.
The Sea Of Tragic Beasts feels like a journey of discovery which envelopes you in a spectrum of emotions within its passages. Whilst listeners will make the obvious comparisons to GOJIRA this entity deserves to be regarded as the formidable creation it is. If you want the true definition of all killer, no filler then look no further. FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY have crafted one of the most engaging, thought provoking releases that the deathcore division has witnessed in quite some time.
Rating: 9/10
The Sea Of Tragic Beasts is out now via Nuclear Blast Records.
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