Over the last few years, Los Angeles's OUR DYING WORLD has gone through a tremendous evolution of sound from thrashy Death Metal of their debut EP "Expedition" to the Symphonic and melodic keyboard-oriented stylings. Formed in 2018 by drummer/guitarist Tom Tierney, the group has played shows all over the USA in their short time together, bringing their sound from the fabled Sunset Strip in Hollywood to the New Jersey Metalfest. One thing is clear from the young band as they prepare for the release of their second release; they've come to stir the standards that hold the metal scene and redefine them. Their latest album contains eight tracks.

"Ars Moriendi" is the first cut; a traditional mood-setting intro. Tense strings and heavy drums lead the charge. It sounds like the marking of the end of the world. "Everything We Know is Gone" is the first proper track. Deep Death vocals combine with symphonic elements and some thickened background elements. They have the death side of the genre down, but need some work on the melody side of things, at least, until the end, where keys take over and provide some of those missing elements. "Under the Hunter's Blade" sounds more cohesive; a great mixture of all of the sounds you want from the genre. A good deal of the melody comes from the harmonized guitars. The softer, ambient tones at the end add a lot to the sound.

"Survivor" begins with spoken words that lead to a slower, and more developed sound. The symphonic elements and clean vocals are right where they should be, charming and melodic. The various parts are assembled but in a bit of a clunky way, and don't create a cohesive whole. "Path of the Nomad" is a more straightforward number, combining symphonics, varied vocals, and guitars in a more united way, and some of that clunkiness isn't at noticeable. The chorus is rich, full, and begs you to sing along. "Diary of a War Dog" features those marching sounds that you would associate with war. The army is assembled and ready to depart. It's another mid-tempo sound however, that the album is starting to get bogged down in.  "Valediction" is another shorter song serving as a segue to the final track.

"Veil of the Reaper" closes the album. It's a speedy song and one final heavy and aggressive number to end all. The soundtrack is tense and mysterious, as is the reaper which they talk about. Overall, it still sounds to me like the band is honing in on their sound, ever so close to putting it all together in the way that they want to. They are right on the cusp of delivering a good and solid release as compared to a mediocre one.