Label: Fetzner Death Records
Genre: Death Metal
Length: 33:44
Today we're off to Finland to talk about Voracious Streams, the third album from Concrete Icon. This death metal band, formed in 2007, is back with an intense, well-crafted opus, which will be available on 20 January in a limited cassette version of 100 copies from German label Fetzner Death Records. Following on from Perennial Anguish (2013) and Rancid Harmony (2019), as well as two EPs Where the Horns Reign (2012) and Rebirth (2021), this new album promises to mark a new stage in their discography.
From the very first notes, Voracious Streams stands as a tribute to old school death metal, while infusing it with modern production, without ever over-smoothing the rough edges that make the genre so charming. With a total running time of 33:44 minutes and eight well-balanced tracks, the album leaves no room for boredom.
The album stands out for its cutting riffs and dynamic transitions, often supported by powerful drums. Melodies are also present, without losing sight of death metal, as can be heard from the first track Slaves Of Hostile Dominion. The influences of Swedish death metal, particularly in the structure, are omnipresent, while maintaining the band's own identity.
One of the strengths of this album lies in its ability to maintain a constant tension while exploring vocal and rhythmic variations. For example, in Slaves of Hostile Dominion, the transition at 1:40 shifts to a faster tempo before being followed by an energetic solo. In Aberrant Tyranny, the change of pace at 2:35 precedes an impressive solo, one of the most striking on the album. Another standout is Rats in the Matrix, where, at 3:30, after a ferocious scream, a dark, oppressive atmosphere sets in, accompanied by muffled melodies and moans. The track Inferior Almighty offers a show of force for the drums in its final moments, concluding the track on a percussive note.
My favourite tracks on this album? some of them really caught my attention. Rats in the Matrix is undoubtedly one of my favourites, thanks to its unique atmosphere and captivating transitions. The eponymous track, Voracious Streams, standouts with its instrumental precision and power. Finally, the solo at 2:35 in Aberrant Tyranny remains engraved in my mind for its intensity and fluidity. Anyway, With this new offering, Concrete Icon deliver an album that exudes the authenticity of old-school death metal, while incorporating a touch of modern production.
Order your copy on Fetzner Death Records - Website
or on the Bandcamp below
