Channelling old school brutality with precision based technicality Infected Dead unleash a firestorm EP.
INFESTED DEAD
Previously known as Neonhalo this UK death metal band adopted their current moniker in 2014, but did put out a couple of releases under the old name. Even though this incarnation has been around since 2014 the first release materialised in 2017 with the Archaic Malevolence EP, followed by the single, The Rache, in 2019. Rooted firmly in old school death metal the EP was a bludgeoning affair with flashes of technical flair that were amplified on the single in 2019.
INVICTA
The groundwork laid down on previous releases now sees full embracing of tech death metal delivered across four incendiary numbers that begin with Astral Divination. The track blasts into action with a volley of riffs, spiralling fret acrobatics and relentless lead work that saturate the EP in its entirety. Lyrically, the band leans into Lovecraftian dread and anti-cosmic nihilism, framing the technical chaos with horrific imagery of 21st century despair. The sheer velocity nods to Hate Eternal while the intricate guitar and nimble bass lines drift toward Germany’s Obscura. Every passing second of the opener offers riff changes, hooks that arrive in constant succession tempo to keep you on your toes.
ORGANIC MONOLITH
Where the opener nearly topped seven minutes Organic Monolith is a shorter punchier strike built on catchy riffage and bellowed vocals that also slip into a throaty shout. Slower and slightly less tech driven it opts for a heavier chugging aura and a palpably brutal drum sound. In Spaces Beyond swings back to acrobatic guitar work, blending the consummate drum work with the nuanced riffing across guitar and bass as the latter is notable for its prominence on various phases with a similarity to Obscura.
REALM OF ICHOR
Closing tune Realm Of Ichor is far more ambitious with a slight progressive aura felt through constant tempo changes as the evolving riff work provides a wealth of subtleties. The superb riff break about half way leads the song into a far more melodic section with double kick patterns amalgamated with a blinding lead break that hurtle towards its cataclysmic conclusion.
A commanding tech-driven assault fusing old school brutality with confident intricate musicianship and memorable songs.
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