RELAPSE
Pennsylvanian death metallers flex a host of new muscles
These US death metallers’ second album is a much more intricate, labyrinthine beast than their relatively straightforward 2018 debut. Amid the big, dumb, pit-ready riffs, there are some more technical and atmospheric flourishes. Unspeakable Aura’s frantic Cannibal Corpse-isms build to an unexpectedly psychedelic peak, while warped leads pepper the dizzying Rotting Stone / D.M.T.. New bassist Derrick Vella of Tomb Mold makes his presence felt on tracks like Fragmented Suspension, as nimble rhythms slither beneath the gristly riffs. Throw in guest spots from Pig Destroyer’s J.R. Hayes and Morbid Angel’s Steve Tucker, and you have an album that outshines their debut in every way. ■■■■■■■■■■