By: Richard Maw
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 07/06/2024
Label: Everlasting Spew Records
“Convergence” CS//CD/DD//LP track listing:
1. Cryogenian
2. Convergence
3. Askesis
4. Ancient Civilizations
5. Obelisk
6. Ciphertext
7. Xiphoid
8. Algorithmic Pathways
9. Encephalon
The Review:
Fractal Generator
return
for a blackened tech death encounter of the third kind here. Much like the
first two albums, this is of the sci-fi themed variety of the genre. The
Canadian members, known only by binary code, have created a concept piece about
new planets arriving in the current solar system and the album explores this
idea.
There are some quirky
elements here- choral vocals on “Ancient Civilizations”, synths here,
there and everywhere- but there are also the expected elements; death growls,
warp speed drums and a distinctly dystopian atmosphere. Since Pestilence introduced atmospheric
instrumental link pieces, other bands in the death metal genre have followed
suit with mixed results- but things are done very well here.
There are no separate
instrumental tracks, but the band does set the tone for each track with
interesting intros and a surprisingly lush palette of sounds features across
the songs- as mentioned.
“Cryogenian” sets
the tone- fast and furious, all other tracks offer sinister creeping dread,
along with the blasting- such as “Obelisk”.
The passages of riffs in “Ciphertext” are sublime and elsewhere on the
album, things are just as impressive. Once again, Fractal Generator have delivered an excellently written, played
and produced example of how this type of extreme metal should be done.
This is for fans of the
genre- of course- but is strongly recommended because of this fact. You won’t
hear better this year.
“Convergence”
is available HERE