Playgrounded – The Death of Death (Review)

This is the second album from Greek progressive metal band Playgrounded.

Playgrounded’s progressive metal is skilfully combined with electronic elements to produce music that’s affecting and engaging. As a starting point for what you’ll encounter here, the promo blurb’s statement that this is for fans of bands such as Karnivool, Katatonia, Nine Inch Nails, Deftones, Moderat, The Ocean, Vola, Leprous, and Skyharbor is a pretty decent one.

The Death of Death mixes the slow-moving atmospheric heaviness of post-metal, with the exploratory wanderings of progressive metal and the mood-enhancing nature of dark cinematic electronica. Playgrounded’s songwriting is catchy and moreish, while retaining an emotive core that is cinematic in scope and atmosphere. Each song has its own strengths and takes the listener on a journey through six tracks of modern exploratory music. The band’s striking and absorbing sound has both style and depth, and their modern interpretation of progressive and post-metal is an enjoyable one.

The singer’s voice is strong and well-balanced. His voice carries the same depth of delivery that the rest of the instruments do, and his performance is effective and complements the music well.

The electronic parts of this record are as integral to its existence as any other. Sometimes they take a primary role, or stand out with experimental splendour, whereas at other times they simply highlight or enhance another aspect of the music. Whatever purpose they’re put to, these electronic enrichments are vital to the album’s identity.

The Death of Death has a lot of layers to explore, and it is worth taking the time to do so. It’s an atmospheric album that crafts its soundscapes well, providing much for the listener to experience.

Highly recommended.