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On their way up - 85%
Sherbrookians Korpius released their second EP this year entitled “Apocalytpic Vision” through Cryogenic Records. No surprise that they managed this, because they master a more traditional style of death metal that is being overlooked by many young core-influenced bands today. I don’t say “master” lightly either. Detectible in their music are elements from death metal bands ranging from the early nineties to now, mixed together into a fresh sound.
The title track kicks off with a definite kick in the crotch. A recognizable Carcass vibe is present in the guitar, utilizing the ever-successful mix of ultra-fast blasts and groove-oriented catchy rhythms. The dual high/low vocal attack kicks ass and evokes Deicide’s Glen Benton, the master of this technique.
“Beholder of Power” features the same elements but is a little less structured. Buried in a full length album this would go unnoticed but with an EP songs tend to get analysed on a more individual basis, and the minimal amount of vocals on this track makes it seem loose and experimental. It seems to be more of a celebration of riffery, albeit a good one.
“All Given None Taken” is back on par with the first track. An epic build-up intro carries into a feast of fast changes and so many riffs and rhythms that you think the disc is skipping. This is a testament to Korpius’ songwriting because a lesser band would have doubled every riff and made an eight minute song out of it. The pig squeals that come in around 3:35 aren’t great but they’re balanced out by a few quality solos. This track was also of the 2006 demo which I don’t have unfortunately. It would be interesting to hear the difference.
The EP ends with “A Pledge for War”, by far the most progressive track presented here. The intro sounds like Nile infused with late-era Death, and then moves through blunt brutality, to prog-death à la Augury, and ends in a melodic solo montage that any Gothenburg band would be jealous of.
The music is there; Korpius just need some intensive touring and promotion for the fans to flock to them. Having seen them live I can say that this band has the confidence and professionalism to get the job done; all they need are the opportunities.
