The Pitch: Sacramento, Ca based tech death powerhouse Alterbeast have returned with their highly anticipated sophomore album Feast via Unique Leader Records. FFO: The Black Dahlia Murder, Archspire, Entheos
What I Like: I haven't been following Alterbeast, but they seem to be one of those bands that are easy to drop into. Their style is more than a little similar to The Black Dahlia Murder, albeit with a few more technical flourishes. Feast relies heavily on the same kinds of melodeath hooks and grooves that made albums like Ritual and more recently Nightbringers such massive hits. And in addition to the core riffs, Alterbeast love neoclassical solos. Fans of groups like Exmortus should rejoice at the sheer volume of these extended shredding sessions. With such a full sound, it's impressive to consider that this band is only a trio. Production is solid, and I also dig the vocal variation.
Critiques: I'm sure the band would be annoyed with the constant weighing of their sound against tBDM, but it's the elephant in the room. In any case, especially with Michael Alvarez taking such a similar approach to vocals as Trevor Strnad; it's hard to not hear Michael's as somewhat inferior. His approach is strong, but it just lacks some of the presence and sting of Trevor's.
The Verdict: Feast is a fast, furious, and tight little album that packs a punch and doesn't overstay its welcome. While it's difficult to ignore similarities to other established bands in the genre, Alterbeast don't slouch in the performance territory. I believe that with a little more exploration they could push themselves to a higher tier.
Flight's Fav's: Feast, Apex Night Eclipse, The Maggots Ascension
-Review by FlightOfIcarus
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