To even just gaze upon the state of technical death metal in recent years is to find yourself before a sound that has certifiably exploded. It doesn't take a sharp eye to noticed that in practically every way from population size to rising names to experimentation within the sound tech-death has become a truly formidable force within the realms of extreme metal whether you like it or not. A new name in the fray can easily feel like not that big of a deal anymore considering the talent that has already been established within the sound all across the globe, but it's with bands like Apogean that such thoughts are humbled almost immediately.
If it feels like we have been here before, it's because we absolutely have! Plenty of times have we been gifted a fresh name in this corner of death metal where greatness has ensued or, at the very least, the seeds for future success were planted to eventually sprout into formidable presences of their own. By and large, Apogean has accomplished the former. Despite only having a single EP from three years ago to their name before today, "Cyberstrictive" is an immense creation that is more than warranting of accolade given all that has been summoned within these ten monumental tracks. Thematically tackling the concepts of how the human condition is slowly but surely becoming engulfed by a technological grip on our throats that has yet to show even the slightest sign of loosening despite the warning signs, Apogean shows off a surprisingly level of maturity that I don't think many would expect from any band's inaugural full-length. Yet, given the members' collective experience in other notable acts, it's only natural that "Cyberstrictive" would come into such a form that's as imposing as it is fascinating and impactful. The world of technical death metal has been utterly abundant when it comes to new talent coming out of the woodwork to show us just how much craziness there is still to be had in a sound that seems to have already been pushed to its limits many times over, and I know damn that Apogean is already well on its way to become a name that demands your respect and recognition as a name that must have an eye kept closely on them at all times.
Despite all that this sound has managed to throw our way many times over, new finds like Apogean never cease to amaze for practically every reason. "Cyberstrictive" is surely just the beginning for what this fresh act is capable of, and yet I sit here with little doubt in my mind that with the simple gift of a little time that Apogean will quickly surpass itself before we even realize it.
"Cyberstrictive" releases on March 8th via The Artisan Era!
LISTEN to advanced tracks from "Cyberstrictive" on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Apogean on Facebook here.
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