REVIEW: SKELETAL REMAINS - Fragments of the Ageless

 

SKELETAL REMAINS - Fragments of the Ageless

Century Media Records

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Heavily influenced by DEATH and OBITUARY, much like their previous recordings ("Devouring Mortality" & "The Entombment of Chaos"), this release showcases more of their own distinct sound. The vocals have also undergone a noticeable change, with less echo and reverb, resulting in a more grueling tone. The last two releases were solid, and this one is certainly another winner. The leads are chaotic, the rhythms are filled with chunky riffs, and the recording quality is top-notch. These musicians have crafted a creatively rich offering for death metal fans. Combining the essence of the last two releases results in this ultimately creative masterpiece. Additionally, it features a cover of Hate Eternal's "Messiah of Rage."

Overall, this release is fast-paced and tight, delivering a thrilling experience. The band appears to be on the cutting edge, showing a greater level of maturity compared to their previous works. Clocking in at 45 minutes, it's far from boring, offering high energy and great riffs throughout.

While not particularly focused on metal lyrics, I find the album captivating as long as the music and production quality are excellent, which they certainly are in this case. The album's riffs are intriguing upon closer examination, showcasing excellent musicianship throughout.

I particularly enjoy the crunchy guitar tone, and the highly technical leads with a touch of reverb/delay add depth as they navigate the fretboard. The overall sound quality is superb, with the drums standing out. This album is a complete masterpiece, with nothing to detract from or add to its brilliance. It's evident that this album is utterly brutal, demonstrating the band's maturation and their commitment to pushing death metal to new heights with each successive release. The precision in the guitar work is noteworthy, and it's clear that these native Californians have elevated the brutality, truly coming into their own with this release.

Ryan “Death8699” Fanucchi