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Band: Lyfthrasyr
Album title: The Engineered Flesh
Release date: 29 November 2013
Label: Self-released
Tracklisting:
01. The New Era Of Immortality
02. Soul Transtion Interface
03. Technological Singularity
04. Evolution
05. Mind Simulator
06. Preserved Identity
07. Wisdom In The Loop
08. Life Overdose
I believe that many of you have lost a trace of this German band after their critically acclaimed album The Recent Foresight, released in 2007. After six years from then Aggreash and co. returns even stronger, more sophisticated, with a formula that is meant to be victorious, in Lyfthrasyr's case it's about black/death metal infused with electronics and symphonic elements. The Engineered Flesh is a real kick of immense power, dark aesthetics and futuristic elements brought together into one huge opus of eight spectacular tracks. From the first look at very well done artwork on is one sole enjoyment for those who like things beign a little bit different, away from the ordinary trends, modern, but yet extremely aggressive.
The Engineered Flesh starts really aggressive with first two tracks, but even there are so many swift tempo changes and mood alternations. Very fast tempo with several blast beats, insane drumming, apocalyptic guitars, yet everything 100% precise, with huge synth insertions and electronic, better said futuristic cyber elements, gives an out of mind experience. Such a dark atmosphere on the beginning of "Soul Transition Interface" and "Preserved Identity" with background chants is unforgettable, but the real fun awaits in "Technological Singularity" and its almost danceable main rhytm. But don't be distracted by this fact as the basic thing on this album is about extremity. Guitar riffs make the music on some occasions quite catchy and melodic. Some industrial elements here and there just don't let you forget about the main theme of the album, and by this verse you'll know what's all about, "Technology is growing up / Exponentially against all our assumptions". Even some slower, almost doomy parts can be found in heavy hitting "Mind Simulator", where the piano and the classical elements with strings form a fascinating sonic scenery. Of course I can't forget about symphonic orchestrations that build an astonishing very multidimensional wall of sound. Just listen to "Evolute", a pure symphonic/industrial/black/death metal gem. And what a conclusion of the album Lyfthrasyr made with "Life Overdose" where all before mentioned elements collide into one place.
There's one thing that could be discussed and this are the vocals. In most parts of the album Aggreash's vocals which are very dynamic, sometimes shrieking, then again "death metalish" brutal and here and there shouted or spoken are top notch and add a lot to the heaviness of the album, but if you ask me I would prefer more black metal shrieks and shouts insted of death metal growls. I must give also a compliment to amazing and very appropriate production for this kind of music. There is a certain depth, not only in the musical sense, but also in the concept of lyrics which deals with futuristic themes about sumpremacy of the technology over human beign. The Engineered Flesh is a a very recommended album for all those who like modern extreme metal with a dark twist.
Review written by: T.V.
Rating: 8/10
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