Apoplexy - 2023 - Destiny [mini-review]

(55:54; HladoHlas)

Slovakian band Apoplexy are out with the album "Destiny", and I'd categorize the music explored on this production to fall inside of the progressive metal definition. It is a variety of the form with something of a foundation in extreme metal we get here, with gruff, grunt style vocals being the dominant provider of the lyrics and with a fair few high paced and intense surges as a recurring element throughout. The songs tend to be fairly dynamic and varied however, with both straight forwards and quirkier thrash metal excursions as well as a fair few more atmospheric laden sections with rich keyboard textures, orchestral arrangements and string instrument overlays being in use. With some lapses into acoustic and semi-acoustic arrangements being recurring elements throughout. The band also has a good balance between more staccato and pounding sections and passages with more of an elegant and flowing motion, and along with the variety in form, pace and intensity this gives the album a nice ebb and flow momentum throughout. Some token clean vocals aren't quite up to the standards we find for the rest of the album, and the mix and production is perhaps more in the adequate department here than one that manages to truly elevate the landscapes explored. A fine album with many interesting qualities that should have an appeal for those who tend to treasure a dynamic and varied take on the extreme variety of progressive metal.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, December 2023

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Apoplexy.sk