Revocation – Deathless

One of the most respected and celebrated modern metal acts, Boston’s Revocation is back and their highly anticipated LP “Deathless” and is set to drop on October 14^th. As expected, it is a solid rager.

What makes Revocation so special is not only their technically proficient guitar work but their ability to weave intricate notes and scales into memorable songs that keep the listener’s attention without alienating the less musically literate. Revocation’s riffs continue to dance smoothly and rhythmically in a way that keeps you coming back for more every time. The title track “Deathless” is a great example of the approach this time around for Revocation. David Davidson and Phil Coyne remain the core of the band and their musical conversation this time around is as intense and maniacal as ever.

Clearly known as a shredding guitar-oriented band, Coyne stands out on “Deathless” with a tasteful performance that isn’t shy with the double bass delivery and a perfect amount of blasts and thrash beats. The clear and crisp production of “Deathless” brings the snare drum out front in a way that allows the listener to appreciate the drums without being overpowered by them. Dexterity is present and the frantic nature of the riffage is complimented by not only a dynamic vocal delivery but a chorus that gets more infectious with each listen. A couple of these vocal arrangements and choruses are pleasnantly beautiful.

 “Deathless” delivers in pretty much every aspect you’d want it to. “Madness Opus” brings the heavy groove and doesn’t disappoint with sludge inspired riffs in the middle and some rather gorgeous solo work. Shorter thrashers like “Scorched Earth Policy” and “The Fix” keep the spirit of thrash alive in the band’s sound and arrive at just the right moments in the record when more speed is desired. Like “Madness Opus”, “United Helotry” pays noticeable homage to jazz with its guitar and bass break in the middle portion of the song before another beautifully put together chorus / clean vocal arrangement.

Unlike most uber technical bands, Revocation’s looseness with their abilities reminds me very much of Megadeth who seemed to effortlessly stand head and shoulders over their contemporaries. “Apex”, a 5:13 instrumental jam, feels almost trance like before the record ends on a high note with the epic “Witch Trials”. In general, this album shouldn’t alienate the Revocation faithful and the more spins this record gets the more this band wins me over as a truly elite metal group.

Score: 8.5 out of 10

ALBUM INFO

Track List:

1. A Debt Owed to the Grave
2. Deathless
3. Labyrinth of Eyes
4. Madness Opus
5. Scorched Earth Policy
6. The Blackest Reaches
7. The Fix
8. United Helotry
9. Apex
10. Witch Trials

Label:
Metal Blade Records

Release Date:
October 14th, 2014