CRIMSON

One of the best death metal albums I have ever heard, hands down. This epic release by Edge of Sanity is simply astounding. So much interesting, diverse, and unique material within this 40 minute opus, I could barely believe it on my first listen. (or second...)

The song begins with an interesting death metal riff with excellent vocals. As a note, the story is well written, and lyrically intriguing. Telling a science fiction tale. Progressing from a plethora of amazing riffs, with some outstanding acoustic and soft breaks/interludes. There is one particular interlude features a riveting acoustic solo that gives me goosebumps each time I hear it. It is restrained and mature.

The riffs go from plodding and destructive, to downright doom laden and hellish. They cross anywhere from almost upbeat speed sections, to death breakdowns and primal guttural roars. The melodic death metal parts raise the hairs on my neck and are absolutely brilliant. With lead guitar by Mikael Akerfeldt, from Opeth. The soloing is stunning, and very emotional (especially for a death metal album). Swano is able to go from superb death growling to a commanding and confident deep almost operatic singing for some of the sections. Then song flows so well as a whole, that it adds quite a bit of cohesion to the overall sound. The riffing, oh how magnificent and crunching it can get.

The soft interludes are well placed, and add dimensions to death metal you don't see outside of a few top name bands. The album moves along at a brilliant pace, the music fitting the story. Near the end of the album, the solos begin to shred and rip through the song, causing complete devastation to all in its path. I am shocked each time I hear this segment at the wonders the guitars bring forth. After this, the song goes back to its complex melodic death metal riffing alongside demonically growled vocals.

The complexities of the album are in the multi-faceted riff progression, beautiful acoustic breaks, intelligently written and executed tale, time changes, movements, and interwoven guitar harmonies. The soloing is amazing, and emotion. It is hard for me to cite major flaws with the work unless you just don't like death metal. Some of the breakdowns I suppose are a bit barbaric, but they fit the theme, and never bothered me. In fact, they oft-times catch me off guard and pack quite an unexpected punch. There are only a few of them, and it in no way lowered my enjoyment of the album. In compositional terms, the album is fierce and solid, yet flowing and malleable. Never dull, and never overly repetitive. The themes are explored to their fullest, and the entire album has an air of being brutally tasteful (that is possible?).

This is an absolute progressive death metal masterpiece, and sits alongside any of Opeth's greatest work. Highly recommended to anyone interested in Progressive death. I can confidently award this album 5 stars. An epic not to be missed.

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