ALBUM REVIEW: Apocrophex, “Æternalis”

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 18/05/2018

Label: Independent

The best kept secret in technical death metal? Maybe not for much longer- such is the dark and malevolent atmosphere of this album, I am confident that Apocrophex will be mentioned in the same breath as the big players of the genre.  This record is a must have

“Æternalis” CD//DD track listing:

1). Where Temples Are Older Than Trees

2). Implanted Genesis

3). Thwarting Dogma

4). The Oracle Room

5). Sovereign Symbol

6). Pareidolia

7). A Sentient Edifice

8). Neglected Megalith

The Review:

Apocrophex are a two man tech death tour de force from New Jersey. Their last record, “Suspended From The Cosmic Altar”, really impressed me back in 2015, so when the new album popped up in my inbox, I couldn't wait to hear it and get into the band's latest musical vision.

Sure enough, the band is on top form here. This is tech death of the most death metal variety. The lowest of growl vocals, serpentine riffage and labyrinthine song structures are the order of the day here. The vocals are mixed quite far back but at the right level to compliment the songs. Justin Buell does a phenomenal job on all instruments, while the vocals of Pete Colluci are integral to how the album plays out.

A special mention must be made here for Kevin Paradis who is playing here as a session drummer. His incredible work is a vast improvement over the programmed drums of “SFTCA” and really gives the record a huge boost- what a performance as well, almost inhuman. The atmosphere here is darker and more sinister than the debut and Buell works hard to make sure the bass and guitars have their own personality rather than just everything doubling everything else.

For anyone with an interest in tech death, this record is a must have. It is very brutal, very complex, very heavy and very technical. As is often the case, picking stand out songs on a tech death album is not easy, so instead I can reliably inform you that everything from “Where Temples Are Older Than Trees” to “Neglected Megalith” represents the very apex of the sub-genre. For this album to have come from the vision of a two piece band is quite an achievement.

I have no idea if Apocrophexhave any inkling to get a full time drummer and hit the road, or if they are happy creating their sonic landscapes in the studio. Listened to in full, the album is exhausting and breathtaking in all the best ways so either option is surely there for them.

The best kept secret in technical death metal? Maybe not for much longer- such is the dark and malevolent atmosphere of this album, I am confident that Apocrophexwill be mentioned in the same breath as the big players of the genre- they demonstrate just how far things have come from the days of Atheist, Cynic and Death whilst maintaining  a solid link to those classic bands by way of pushing the boundaries and the physical possibilities of what can be played.

“Æternalis” is available here

Band info: bandcamp|| facebook