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"Deathcore fans should love this "Purgatory" which sees Despised Icon confirm its good shape with a rather impressive strike force."
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4/5
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Three years after a "Beast" that had signed him back to business, Despised Icon is back with a sixth album, "Purgatory". The Canadians work in deathcore, a style often little considered by extreme purists. The band, which is part of the leading pack with All Shall Perish or Withechapel, has nevertheless signed a few bleeding records with remarkable punch and stunning energy.
Purgatory", which consists of 11 tracks for just over half an hour, often goes straight to the point without embellishment. Yet it starts surprisingly well with 'Dernier Souffle', a calm and melancholic instrumental that shows a side that was unknown at Despised Icon. But after this calmness, it's the storm that hits the listener. The band play one track after another like a boxing match.
It hurts the gums even though the formula is repetitive. The pattern is classic with a powerful modern sounding drums up front and incisive, fast and direct riffs. There are especially the vocals of Alex and Steve that leave a lasting impression. Between hardcore and brutal death, they complement each other and bring a lot of power to the whole, with bravura tracks like 'Light Speed', 'Slow Burning', 'Legacy' and 'Snake In The Grass' that should delight fans of raging deathcore.
Luckily the band also introduces some variation, which prevents them from offering a too linear record. 'Moving On' is a nice surprise with a dark side, strength in the vocals but also nuance and variation and a good solo. 'Dead Weight' which closes the album is less nuanced but brings a little something with a touch of grind in the vocals and well done soli. 'Vie d'Anges' puts hardcore in the spotlight for an ultra violent result, the vocals in French give it a big strength.
"Purgatory" isn't going to revolutionize a very codified genre but it's a nice slap in the face from a band that knows its stuff. Despised Icon confirms that he's back for good and with this album he's got enough to set a lot of scenes on fire. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Dernier Souffle - 1:49
02. Purgatory - 3:47
03. Light Speed - 2:33
04. Slow Burning - 3:16
05. Snake in the Grass - 3:21
06. Vies D'Anges - 2:53
07. Moving On - 4:51
08. Unbreakable - 3:14
09. Apex Predator - 3:06
10. Legacy - 3:26
11. Dead Weight - 3:59
LINEUP:
Alex Pelletier: Batterie
Alexandre Erian: Chant
Ben Landreville: Guitares
Eric Jarrin: Guitares
Sebastien Piche: Basse
Steve Marois: Chant
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