ALBUM REVIEW: Void – Aphyxion

It’s not every day you get to support such legends as the likes of METALLICA but this is exactly what happened to melodic death metallers APHYXION following the incredible reception of their 2016 release Aftermath. Three years have passed since this release and the eagerly awaited follow up entitled Void draws ever nearer which is due for release on May 10th via Prime Collective. Have the Danish outfit managed to build on this success?

Opener Fork Tongued doesn’t waste time with formalities as it jumps head first into energetic chunks of riffing. Melodic tinges flow throughout as the commanding presence of front man Michael Vaal‘s vocal prowess is instantly felt. Sleepwalkers introduces some vibrant guitar work and a ludicrously addictive chorus to coincide with the continuing intensity. Punchy drum segments form a rigid backbone to the arrangement. Restless Nights throws a slice of chaos into the mix with hard hitting, jabbing riffs combined with technical flourishes. The abrasive vocal blasts gel seamlessly with the ebbing and flowing tempo changes.

Crown Of Thorns brings an industrial vibe to the table with hammering riff work and an alluring atmosphere that confidently marches forward. The vocal passage of “We all have demons and we like to feed them,” provides some intriguing food for thought. Happily Apathetic injects a bouncy pace and groovy attitude to keep the energy simmering whilst further instances of catchy chorus lines seep into your ears. A Gap Of Sky is equipped with a sturdy beat and purposeful stride with some enticing guitar work and pounding drums which possess all the hallmarks of a potentially anthemic live track whilst Sedate Myself initially tricks you with a handful of solemn opening notes before snapping back into the wall of crunchy riffs. The aggressive tone really grabs your attention as the groove takes hold.

Pain harbours a cathartic nature as it twists and turns through emotive vocal work entwined with poignant melodies which provide one of the stand out moments. No Man Is An Island continues the impassioned subject matter as the punchy tempo stands strong. Void shows no signs of running out of steam as the concluding tracks become visible on the horizon. Stronger In The End showcases additional examples of how easily APHYXION can merge powerful strings of riffs with melodic undertones to great effect teeing up the tense build up for the closing title track. Echoing guitar work filters through the air, ebbing and flowing amongst pulsating drum segments.

The tracks within Void all possess a similar blueprint but harness a broad range of subtle differences to ensure they stay unique. APHYXION tastefully pay homage to the likes of IN FLAMES and SOILWORK whilst still maintaining their own identity. If there were any listeners unaware of the talents the Danish quintet were capable of exhibiting then Void is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted.

Rating: 8/10

Void is out now via Prime Collective.

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