Inner Dimensions - Unaligned (Review)

Unaligned might be a new addition to the list of newer bands, but the band members are old members of the game. With a few tracks dropped from the debut record gaining quite the underground attention, it was about time the band would show what they have stored in the arsenal for a long time. The debut EP “Inner Dimensions” of Unaligned is out now, and I am here to discuss it.   

The title track “Inner Dimensions” provides us with a platter of dissonance tremolo riffs along with the heavy drums blasting beneath. From the very start, the song possesses an atmospheric quality, aided by the guitar lead layerings which is prevalent throughout the record. Some of the tapping parts on the track really reminds me of Gorod. Andrew Guia’s (Withered Throne) vocals are the primary driving force - his flawless switch from the lows to the insane highs like Vale of Pnath are breathtaking to hear. “Transient Gate” catches your attention from the very beginning with its choppy rhythm in a start-stop progression, followed by the passages of intense grooves that will surely break your necks! The guitar solo definitely shows the band’s chops on being melodic as well, slowly transitioning into the melo-death realm through its last minutes.

“Of Chaos” expands on its melodic death approach by adding elements of black metal, with its symphonic segments and double bass elevating the listening experience. Often a blend of fast high-pitched vocals with its techy elements in a blackened realm, this one surely sounds like Demon King or Inferi-ish. The basslines with its thick tones on “Kenopsia” just add so much punch to the low end, while the symphonies become an impeccable part of the composition. The end result is something brutal yet sonically beautiful. “Occhiolism” uses the known tech-death tropes your ears are used to listening to at this point, although a few passages of dissonance add some more texture and vibrance. The final track of the record “Void Wraith” begins itself with atmospheric space-y passages, almost reminding of the existence of an “eerie void” somewhere, where the track then instantly pulls you to this unknown land of discomfort, despair and destruction, led by the dissonance based riff. A story of exquisite symphonies of wrath and fury leads to a heart-wrenching conclusion.

Encompassing almost twenty-six minutes of runtime, the record wastes no time in establishing the technical prowess of each member. Taylor Tidwell shines through every moment with his creative riffs on guitar and bass. “Inner Dimensions” sees Andrew Guia at his best using his vocal ranges. While the blackened influenced tracks like “Of Chaos” and “Kenopsia” see the use of his insane highs, the techy tracks of the later half of the record sees Andrew using his lows effectively. The production stands out as one of the best of the year, despite being the band’s debut record. Being handled by Mike Low himself, you can’t really complain about the man’s flawless job of making records sound good. There’s so much incredible songwriting and performance that it leaves no scope for complaint. Every track feels unique in its own way. “Inner Dimensions” might be just the starting threshold for the band’s journey, but surely accounts for a memorable addition to the band’s discography.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Website: https://www.facebook.com/UnalignedOfficial

Genre: Technical Death Metal 

Worldwide Release: April 22, 2022.