ARCHSPIRE - Relentless Mutilation Review

ARCHSPIRE - Relentless Mutilation

Season of Mist

Bandcamp

The first time I heard this album was on Spotify I think it was last year. I didn't think much of it, but I gave it a few more listens to then decided to buy a physical copy. It was really worth it, as well as their predecessor, “The Lucid Collective” (2014), which wasn't as well reviewed as their latest. I can hear why, it was a little bit all over the place of an album, which is typical with a technical death metal act. But! Their latest takes more of a liking from me not because of the production, but because of the music. Yes, it does keep your head spinning with those whirlpool guitar frenzies. I didn't really dislike anything from this release. I thought it stronger than the former album, so let's break it down here...

Being a former guitarist, you tend to pay more attention to what are coming out of the amplifiers than anything else. However, theirs has to be likable vocals and production as well. The lyrical concepts of these types of bands mostly focus on negative things, so it's best to focus on the music. They are (I think) playing some maybe 7-string guitars, but I'm not firm on making that assessment. However, the riffs just blow you away and the music is a total liking to. They seem to blend in some jazz into slow parts, which is surprising for a death metal band.

A lot of people found Oli Peters (vocals) to be annoying, but I actually find him to blend well in the release. They're not playing fast ALL THE TIME and the vocals are at times though really damn fast grunting. The guitarists (Tobi Morelli and Dean Lamb), seem to know how to kill it from their perspective. Really well rounded musicians. It's hard to keep up with everything that's going on. 30 minutes of technical death metal frenzy. Just realize that they're going to knock you on your ass if you see them live.

What's not to like about “Relentless Mutilation” is the question? They blend a bit of everything here, style, non-conformity, unique sound, and a passion for greatness. These guys seem to be pretty down to Earth as well if you take a listen to some of their interviews. 

It's hard to pick one or two songs out of the whole album that's going to hit home, except for the whole album itself. However, check out "Involuntary Doppelganger", the title track and "The Mimic Well" for starters. This album is available on Spotify as I've said same with the second album. Get both to make your determination. “Relentless Mutation” slaughters from every different avenue!! Pick it up, today!

Ryan “Death8699”  Fanucchi