The Pitch: Underrated Polish death metal band Symbolical return after 3 years with a killer new album entitled Allegory of Death. FFO: early Behemoth, Hate Eternal, Sarpentra
What I Like: Back in 2015 when I reviewed Collapse In Agony, I labeled Symbolical "depressive death metal" and was damn proud of it. There's something so dark and dreary about them, yet never at the sacrifice of heaviness. It sounds like Amon Amarth took quaaludes and hired Nergal as the vocalist. Speaking of which, there's clearly more than a little influence of Behemoth's earlier works here, particularly Zos Kia Cultus. They've got that same blunt, bleak, and isolating sense of evil (especially "Not On The Cross"). And while this isn't a deathdoom album per se, the mournful, reverb-soaked lead guitars slither their way into the music much in the same vein. It's the perfect balance for someone like me who enjoys doom atmosphere but prefers his music to move along at a reasonable pace.
Critiques: It's a little on the long side, though never truly boring. A little trimming on some of the longer compositions might have made things more concise.
The Verdict: I already enjoyed Collapse In Agony quite a bit, but Allegory Of Death is another step forwards for Symbolical. It's heavier, better produced, and overall feels like a natural progression for the band. I strongly suggest giving it a spin.
Flight's Fav's: Fallen Renegate, Prometheus Trial, Not on the Cross
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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