Day Nine see’s us continue our Album Of The Year advent calendar. Never conforming to any trends and seemingly going simultaneously against the grain whilst also embracing their old influences Revocation have been an inventive band from the beginning. Having released their self titled effort only just last year, the boys are back with the absolutely fantastic Deathless.
Revocation – Deathless
After having finished up their contract with Relapse Records, Revocation moved over to Metal Blade. Always being the pro active kind the band went right into the studio, amid their hectic touring schedule to create Deathless. Although Revocation have always been sticking to their own agenda there has been slow but sure evolution in their sound. Deathless showcases some of the darker melodies the band have been cooking up, illustrating a different side of the band not previously seen. As ever the quirky off kilter melodies are present throughout the record, however not only casting the spotlight on the guitar, bassist Brett Bamberger is given more of a lead role where his subtle bass nuances are enhanced particularly on instrumental “Apex“. That being said there are more than enough of the inventive and offroad solo’s from Davidson.
The song writing throughout the album is completely solid. Using their tried and tested formula the band excel in being the paradox of consistently innovative. With Deathless moving through many different soundscapes yet always retaining that inimitable Revocation hybrid of jazz influenced blackened death thrash or whatever any music nerds want to call it. Revocation have become more mature in their writing style creating intelligent well thought out sounds that wander but never stray from the listener. Be it the waltz of “Madness Opus” or thrashing madness of “Scorched Earth Policy” or even the darkened wonders of “The Blackest Reaches” One execptional highlight the fantastic grand finale solo of “Witch Trials” tailing the album of to a fantastic crescendo . Revocation execute their musical attack with style and flair matched only by some of the most seasoned death metal acts. A fantastic new effort with exemplary song writing and flawless musicianship. Revocation have not only proved they are worthy of being on top but if Deathless is anything to go by it wont be long until they really are top of the death metal food chain.
