For technical death metal band Allegaeon, sitting still is not an option. The Fort Collins, CO group has never allowed itself to stagnate, prefering to thrive on chaos, change and evolution.
Their latest full-length offering, 'The Ossuary Lens', is their seventh but, importantly, it’s the first with original vocalist Ezra Haynes since his 2015 departure following the 'Elements of the Infinite' album. Replacing a singer is no easy task, so the fact that Haynes was in a place to rejoin is something to celebrate.
The cleaner vocal approach on the last three albums was a fascinating artistic maneuver, one that refreshed Allegaeon, but it’s undeniably thrilling to hear Haynes’ graveled larynx back in the fold on this inarguably brutal and technically dazzling slab of work. The science-based lyrics are as challenging as the progressive musicianship, resulting in a set of songs that simply slay. It’s a sound that Haynes himself refers to as “melotech” (melodic, technical death metal).
“I think in the beginning we were a little more stripped down,” adds Burgess. “Very guitar-forward, focused melodeath. Over time, I think more technical, symphonic and progressive elements creeped in. Finally, where we are today is all of that combined, added with more ambient elements.”
While not a concept album in the traditional sense, there is an overarching theme to the new album – 'the Ossuary Lens' is a representation of several different viewpoints of death.
“Each song essentially is a different topic, however there is always a different perspective of death tied to each subject,” says Haynes. “Since the entire album revolves around this overarching theme of death, and the different viewpoints associated with it, we found ourselves very attached to the word ‘Ossuary,’ and since the album takes look at death through different points of view, we found The Ossuary Lens to be very fitting for the album title.”
'The Ossuary Lens' was recorded with producer Dave Otero at Flatline Audio studio in Denver, CO. It marks the sixth album recorded with Otero.
“He’s our guy and we couldn't imagine working with anyone else at the moment,” says Haynes. “We have worked with Dave Otero at Flatline Audio since the beginning of our career,” adds Burgess. “So 17 years now. Dave always provides a comfortable working environment, amazing ideas, and a career-spanning understanding of what has made Allegaeon, Allegaeon.”
As far as Allegaeon is concerned, 'The Ossuary Lens' is the most triumphant and cohesive body of work that they’ve ever laid down.
“With the additional attention coming from the writing retreat, as well as the sessions we had with Dave Otero prior to recording, it really gave this product the attention it deserved from every member and the group as a whole,” says Haynes. “'The Ossuary Lens' is easily the best Allegaeon album to date.”
It shows. 'The Ossuary Lens' is an accomplished album that sees a rejuvenated band at the peak of its powers. Allegaeon will spend the rest of the year preparing and releasing singles and videos, before embarking on a headline tour and a couple of support slots.
CD jewel case version
Tracklisting:
1. Refraction
