2024’s sophomore album “Metaphysicize” is alchemical gold. Still determined to drive at the bleeding edge of extreme metal, “Metaphysicize” uses the existentialist, introspective themes of their debut as fuel for an even deeper, more haunting exploration of the human condition. The compositional confidence and sheer scale the album is complex, even daunting at times and yet also empowering. By defying the presumptive restriction of lazy labels and genre pigeonholing, they leave their shape unfixed and their future ripe with potential, because life at the edge of extreme is so much better without limits.

 The album has seven songs, and the title track is first. Leading in with gentle clean guitars, the voice of distortion soon takes over. They present a bleak and sober sound, and the harsh vocals cut hard against the clean guitars and the somber melodies. Segueing into “Disillusioned,” this song has angrier tones, but those backing melodies remain strong amidst the heavy, djent sound of the guitars. “Death of the Architect” shows the musical prowess of the band, digging into more weighted drumming as well as some tightly constructed passages. Still, those desolate tones hang in the air like a thick fog, leaving the listener drenched in them.

 “Kaygi” has subtler tones, and the lead guitar sings with a tortured pain that you can actually feel. The vocals echo this pain, ten-fold. You feel trapped inside your head…a place where you hear voices that never stop their chatter. No relief…no sleep…no absolution. “Alienated” has a raging opening that slowly fades to funeral tones, and the rising hate in the vocals is equaled only by the feeling of nothingness. As the saying goes, “between grief and nothing, I choose grief.” “Immor(t)al” finally gives the listener a brief reprieve from the overwhelming tones on the album. The melodies are delicate, and their Post Metal side comes out stronger. Soon after however, you are drowning in regret…a feeling that can gnaw you constantly.

 “Dysphoria” closes the album, and nearly every tone you have heard on the album comes together in a darkened synergy. What strikes me most about the album is how the dichotomy of two competing styles plays out. On one hand, you have these depressive, painful tones that you just can’t shake, and on the other hand, angry rage that bites through them but isn’t quite enough to overcome them. What results for me is just pure torture, and embitterment. At the end of your life, you look back, and realize one cold hard fact…death is final.