A Three-membered band in the technical death metal realm! Seems quite unpromising right? Well that's where the genre’s one of the promising bands of today’s time comes. Five albums already within a span of a decade without compromising on the quality of songwriting - Inanimate Existence has raised the bar always with its release. Each album sets apart and distinguishes itself with its unique brand of sound and the darker concept-based storytelling. Finally, the band has returned with its sixth album “The Masquerade” to be out on June 10th via The Artisan Era, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts about it!
There are some things you know exactly before tuning in for an Inanimate Existence album - intricate technical riffs and cosmic melodies with a touch of ambient and atmospheric passages. That's exactly how the album opener “Endless Waves” starts out - a melancholic clean intro which bleeds into grooves and technical ferocity. Often the track flows between the realm of atmospheric ambience and tech-death, often maintaining a balance. “Buried Beneath Scars” shows some intense tremolo actions, while incorporating unheard yet beautiful melodies that will stay with you. The integration of dynamic shifts and few slow sludgy passages allows the basslines to shine the most. Starting off with a grandiose intro “The Masquerade” feels no less than a horror story with spooky melodies. Again, the track oscillates in between ambient moments with incorporation of keyboard melodies. “Into the Underworld” might just be the favorite track off the album - tasty riffs with brutal drums. This track quite reminds me of “Voyager” off their record “Clockworks”. The leads on guitars are absolutely melodious, even to a point of being melancholic and pouring sadness in heart.
“Wandering White Walls” almost picks it up where its predecessor left, with the clean intro almost along the same line. This one is rather slow paced and groovy, giving the space to shine Cameron’s vocals on the track. “Return to the Dream” is another tasty track off the record. With many catchy riffs and several dynamic shifts, this one has gained quite a popularity as a single for the album promotion. “Heart of the Inferno” is a mixture of old-school riffs presented in a modern fashion with technical toppings. The final track off the record “Ending the Ritual” begins with mystical sonic tunes, before flowing into the province of absolute heaviness. Fast, bone-crushing riffs while being progressively infused with its elements, this one is another favorite track of mine. Also, what a name for a song to end the album!
Let’s not forget how Inanimate Existence always keeps their storytelling in front - aiding to the fact of their long history of writing concept albums and constructing stories off it. “The Masquerade'' seems to be no exception either. The album’s lyrics touch on subjects such as isolation, tribalism, and the connection between one's outer shell to their true inner self. The music quests on the journey with its balancing act between its heavier moments and calm moments, and successfully does so.
“The Masquerade” proves again the musical prowess of Inanimate Existence, and adds up to be another memorable record in their shining bright discography.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheInanimateExistence
Genre: Technical Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal
Label: The Artisan Era
Worldwide Release: June 10th, 2022.
