For over fifteen years technical death metal band Allegaeon has worked hard to develop a distinct sonic vision that today shines brighter on the sixth album “Damnum” providing the ideal balance between sheer fury and enticing melodic splendor.
In the beginning “Bastards of the Earth” makes you feel at peace with a soothing series of arpeggios but an obscure force will bring an overload of abrasive rhythmic patterns easily amplified by the angered growls and the fierce technical riffage.
“Of Beasts and Worms” enhances a contemplative mood with mellow acoustic passages accompanied by a heartfelt clean vocal delivery but everything changes as the hostile rhythmic section takes over and the lead guitar work delivers acrobatic progressions.
“Called Home” sounds particularly fascinating focusing on emotional depth and recurring cathartic melodic textures emphasized by glowing atmospheric accents nevertheless the fiery guitar riffs acquire darker tonalities to build robust grooves.
Surrounded by a haunting atmosphere “The Dopamine Void Pt. 1” embraces dazzling prog dynamics but this sense of tranquility disappears as soon as “The Dopamine Void Pt. 2” unleashes violent rhythmic blasts diligently fueled by the breakneck speed and the relentless guitar riffs channeling a primal death metal force.
Within the darkened realm of “Only Loss” guitars effortlessly create complex enraged progressions well supported by the ruthless growls and the precise drumming but you can still perceive a dismal melodic essence.
Ultimately “Damnum” is the product of an intense sonic evolution as Allegaeon constantly showcase great creativity and impressive musicianship but also choose to explore a variety of emotive themes through eloquent lyrics.