Revocation - Existence Is Futile
Rating
RIYL
AlarumCoroner
Atheist
Obscura
Release Date
09/29/2009
Label
RelapseTracklist
1. Enter the Hall2. Pestilence Reigns
3. Deathonomics
4. Existence Is Futile
5. The Brain Scramblers
6. Across Forests and Fjords
7. ReaniManiac
8. Dismantle the Dictator
9. Anthem of the Betrayed
10. Leviathan Awaits
11. The Tragedy of Modern Ages
Users Rating |
Your RatingCreate an account or log in to rate this album |
Recent Ratings |
|
|
|
Boston's Revocation burst onto the metal scene in 2008 with their self-released full-length Empire of the Obscene, a swirling mix of technical thrash and death metal backed by an exceptional layout (courtesy of the talented Par Olofsson) and above average production. With an heir of professionalism and talent unmatched by the majority of their like-minded peers, all signs pointed to big things for the group. Alas, only one year later, the band has inked a deal with one of the underground's biggest labels and released one of the more engrossing metal albums of 2009.
Existence Is Futile serves as more of a continuation of the group's past sound than an evolution, though considering its quality that is far from a bad thing. The group continues to walk a fine line between noodly, technical death metal and thrash, all while injecting a healthy dose of melodicism that keeps things sounding fresh from beginning to end. The dexterity of guitarist David Davidson, who doesn't fail to impress throughout the entirety of the album, is apparent from the opening flurry of notes on "Enter the Hall." His bouncy, rhythmic playing is the driving force behind the group, and he deserves much of the credit for the album’s effectiveness.
While tracks like "Dismantle the Dictator, "Across Forests and Fjords," and "ReaniManiac" are obvious highlights, the entire album serves as a showcase for the group's impressive grasp of thoughtful, nuanced songwriting. Bands with similar talent levels and experience are generally content with writing section after section of non-connecting riffs without giving any thought to the songs as a whole. Fortunately, songwriting is an area where Revocation truly excels. Drummer Phil Dubois-Coyne utilizes an up-tempo style that keeps the songs interesting even when Davidson settles into a slower groove, while Davidson and bassist Anthony Buda offer a capable, if not altogether original, vocal attack.
Though my review has critically fellated the album up to this point, it is not without its faults, as the group at times falls short of the immensely high bar they've set for themselves. There are points when the band, no doubt trying to add some variety to their sound, are content with incorporating passages of active, though uninspired, melodic death metal riffing that don't maintain the level of quality found on the rest of the album. There are also times when the group's sounds begin to blur together, though those moments are mostly erased with repeated listens.
A worthy follow-up to their impressive debut full-length, it's hard to imagine fans of the latest flock of technical death metal bands not enjoying Existence Is Futile. It's catchy, it's fun to bang your head to, and it doesn't fuck around with any unnecessary breakdowns or deathcore-inspired tripe. Sure, it's not the be-all-end-all of modern death metal, but these guys are certainly worth keeping an eye on and, if metal is your bag, more than worthy of your hard-earned dinero.
--Matt Murphy
Comments
Raleigh, NC
Really awesome CD. This band does it so well, especially for a young three piece. Hopefully seeing them on tour around January.
Infinitely Inwards
I don't like this one as much as their last. Still good though.
Ever Forthright - Ever Forthright
Fallujah - The Harvest Wombs
The New Law - The Fifty Year Storm
The Mars Volta - Noqtourniqet
Aborted - Global Flatline
Spawn of Possession - Incurso
Crippled Black Phoenix - (Mankind)The Crafty Ape
West Haven, CT
The first Cd is much better.
The Cityscape Burns Brighter By The Hour.