EP REVIEW: Severance – Chiasmata

The tech metal scene has been thriving in recent years as a sea of amazingly talented musicians have been vying for prominence. One band in particular who have been making waves in the UK scene is Manchester based outfit CHIASMATA. The quartet have recently unleashed their next round of progressive metal mastery in the form of EP Severance. Will this effort be able to build on their well established foundations?

Foreboding is exactly what it says on the tin. Dark ominous tones set the atmosphere as subtle vocals begin to work their way into the mix. The intensity starts to ramp up with potent bass lines and sharp drum beats. An intriguing combination of heavy grooves and calming melodies ebb and flow increasing your curiosity of where this track will lead to next. Absolution brings forth some alluring synths and a dramatic tension in the air which feels comparable to a Sci-Fi soundtrack.

Operatic stylings provided by Zoe Gale are idyllically executed and are an emphatic accompaniment to the ongoing instrumentation. Towards the latter stages the track really picks up the tempo with some intricate riffing and scintillating grooves to get your blood pumping. Haustorium keeps the momentum flowing as pronounced jabbing riffs take centre stage. The vocals hauntingly swarm around the piece in soothing fashion, cutting through the low tuned riffing. All of a sudden the track takes a berserk turn filled with frantic drumming and mind bending bass flurries to keep you on your toes.

Swaying In The Absence Of Wind launches into view with swift guitar work and energised drumming and a chilling vocoder segment. The tempo shifts in peculiar movements not allowing you to get complacent. Bludgeoning riffs soon follow alongside proficient lead flourishes. Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave. The Silver Cord takes an entirely different path as cathartic piano tones echo in the distance. Gale continues to leave her stamp on proceedings with emotively charming vocal swathes. Autophagy gears up for one final frolic with a smattering of eccentric but captivating vocal lines, commanding riffs and hefty drum work. Every instrument follows its own flamboyant narrative but all mesh together effortlessly to provide a fitting climax.

CHIASMATA may not have received as much praise or plaudits as their tech metal counterparts thus far but Severance has proved precisely why they shouldn’t be underestimated. They dish out a plethora of exciting and engaging elements that will have you fixated from start to finish. If anything this release leaves you wanting more. It will be interesting to see where this release will lead them next.

Rating: 8/10

Severance is out now via self-release.

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