Replicant – Infinite Mortality (Review)

This is the third album from US death metallers Replicant.

Following on from 2021’s Malignant Reality comes the 44-minute Infinite Mortality. Before diving into this new record, take a moment to prepare yourself, as this is a beast of an album. I liked Malignant Reality, but it didn’t stand out to me the way that Infinite Mortality does.

Replicant impressed on their last album with a well-executed mix of dissonant aggression and accessible groove. It’s not a common combination, nor one easy to balance, but the band pulled it off well. On their new record Replicant delve deeper into the technicality of their sound, shedding some of the groove, (but by no means all), in favour of exploring malevolent depths that hide many esoteric horrors. These new songs have taken a darker, harsher, more complex turn than I was expecting from Replicant, and I have to say I very much approve.

Infinite Mortality is an exercise in hypnotic brutality, atypical dissonance, and vicious atmosphere. The band’s crushing groove is immense, and has been warped and corrupted, now presenting as a diseased and nuanced version of its former self that’s captivating in its sickened darkness. For the sake of clarity, I prefer this new state of things. Replicant sound nightmarishly heavy, and their inhuman riffs are just monstrous. You can still hear the Machine Head influence that was present previously, but now its darker and meaner than ever. These songs sounds like they’re going to bite your face off.

The twisted dissonance and intricate technicality of Infinite Mortality is brutal and unforgiving. It’s also surprisingly nuanced and detailed; the songwriting has clearly been thought about a great deal, and once you get past the striking multifaceted punishment that the band deal out with recklessly endangering ease, there’s a host of fine elements to appreciate as Replicant pummel you to a fine paste.

Everything about these new songs is more abrasive and ferocious, including the vocals, which have stepped up their game to match the controlled savagery of the music. The production is wonderfully solid and heavy, and overall Infinite Mortality is hugely impressive.

If you’re a fan of the dissonant/technical/avant-garde/etc. styles, or just of crushing, atypical death metal that’s striking and murderously heavy, then this is the death metal you need in your life. Replicant are back, stronger than ever.

Essential listening.