This is the debut album from US death metal band Apogean.
Cyberstrictive contains 44 minutes of modern technical death metal. As a lazy intro, I’m just going to quote the blrub on their Bandcamp page – “Apogean drew their inspiration from such groups as Soreption, The Faceless, Obscura, Necrophagist, The Black Dahlia Murder, Archspire, and The Zenith Passage. It’s a safe bet that fans of those bands will thoroughly enjoy what they have to offer.”
Cyberstrictive offers a tale of contemporary tech death, bolstered by progressive elements and tasteful synths that add further depth. Deathcore touches can be felt in places, as can a blackened aspect that lurks menacingly. Topping it all is a vocalist, (ex-Alterbeast/Krosis), who has a formidable deep growl.
The songs are sharp, intricate, melodic, and well-rendered, delivering music that has clearly had some thought and expertise poured into it. The album, although clearly of the genre, has a character that’s endearing; Cyberstrictive is surprisingly effective and rewarding for what is, at this point, quite a well-worn style.
Apogean demonstrate a good ear for hooks and have some decent ideas. Cyberstrictive is delivered well, with above average songwriting that largely hits the spot. There are a lot of monstrous riffs spread amongst the tracks too, which is just great to hear. The album also benefits from a quality production that allows the music to play to its strengths, and avoids sounding too plastic or sterile, which I’m really pleased by.
Apogean succeed in taking their influences and doing something productive and enjoyable with them. Cyberstrictive is worth exploring if you’re a fan of the style, as the songs here are effective and entertaining overall.
I enjoyed this remarkably more than I expected to. Apogean have a talent for this sort of music, and I really look forward to hearing how they continue to develop in the future.
Highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 