Archspire - Bleed the Future 8.6
Technical Death Metal
Archspire has long solidified themselves as trailblazers for technical death metal and extreme music as a whole. Bleed the Future is proof they aren’t slowing down.
Archspire first came on most people’s radar’s with 2017’s “Relentless Mutation”. The record blew my mind and profoundly expanded my musical horizons towards heavy, technical music. I have been familiar with tech death for many years but in Archspire I saw a group pushing the boundaries of the genre, breaking away from tropes and writing some of the most impressive music I’ve ever heard. I’m not sure if I’ve ever been so impressed with the musical prowess of an entire band. Archspire has no weak points, not even someone who is average. Each and every member of the band is pushing the limits of their instrument in complexity and speed. This record is a continuation of their avant-garde approach to their music.
The record opens with the face melting track “Drone Corpse Aviator” and reminds us why Archspire is blowing up in the metal community. The intro to the song features a signature one-handed blast beat from drummer Spencer Prewitt layered over brutal vocals and some super heavy riffage. This track is very cohesive given how complex it is. After the powerful intro, D.C.A. uses clean guitar breaks to momentarily stop its auditory onslaught and leave you guessing. In this we have one of keys to Archspire’s genius: their ability to maintain their versatility in the midst of such heavy music. Where other bands would continue with a wall of noise, Archspire insists on keeping you on your toes.
Listening to these Canadians play their instruments is truly a marvel, even if you can’t appreciate the heaviness and aggressiveness of the music. Dean Lamb, Archspire’s rhythm guitarist runs his own YouTube channel and streams on Twitch.tv to a decent following. He, like the others in his band, is constantly improving himself and teaching others how to play and think innovatively. Check out his YouTube here. I highly recommend it if you’ve ever picked up a guitar, or hell, even if you haven’t. Other members have performed at NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) and given workshops. What makes these guys so lovable, apart from their expert skills, is how engaged they are with their fans and the community at large. Does that help me like their music? Of course, but they don’t need bonus points in the friendly category to still be an incredible band.
“Bleed the Future”, the eponymous track of this record, is another stand-out track. The bass work on this song, done by Jared Smith, is genuinely impressive and combined with a clever mix sounds mesmerizing to your ears. The whole track is groundbreaking and Dean even added his now typical clean guitar interlude smack down in the middle of the action. It’s aggressive not doubt, but it’s a balance at the same time.
A technical death metal record relies on a great mix to appeal to the ears and escape the jumble of 4+ instruments playing insanely fast and complex music. Bleed the Future as well as 2017’s Relentless Mutation sound incredible all thanks to Dave Otero’s unique and powerful production. Otero was responsible for the last three Cattle Decapitation records (all of which were incredibly well received) among other extreme metal projects. This is his bread and butter, and this album is even more proof that he is the best in the business.
Archspire has experienced one of the fastest climbs to the top of a genre I’ve ever seen. Their sound is truly original and their musicianship is nearly unparalleled. I cannot wait to see what is next from these guys.
8.6/10