There is a new band in the annals of Progressive Death Metal from Italy, and they are called DISCERNMENT. “To Leave” is the band’s debut album, and it has eight songs. “Hopeless: Cyclogenesis” is a short introduction to the album, and the music is smooth and somewhat jovial, especially in those harmonized clean female vocals. Seguing into “Hopeless: To Leave,” it has a heavier sound, with semi-clean vocals and some really nice guitar work. The melodies are still there, although the song has a darker edge to it. “Deuteranopia” has a harder structure on the bottom end, but the melodies are quite catchy, and you can sing along with them. Some thicker Progressive elements are ushered in with harsh vocals as well.

“Berlin” has a totally different vibe, and so far, what the band is offering is diverse. Harsh vocals combine with cleans here in a delicate balance, along with some psychedelic bits. “Exile” is the long song on the album. It takes shape at first with somber and gentle piano and strings, followed by some raucous guitar riffs. In keeping with the title, it also has some depressive tones. “Mnemosyne” is a short three minutes of spoken word led clean guitars, which have an overwhelming sober tone to them. Meaty bass notes carry some of the melody, which is mixed in with light symphonics. “Harmony in Silence” is another lengthy offering, beginning with a cold, gentle rain. There is also the subject of regret, which rings loudly. The harsh vocals represent a deep anger.

“Harmless Wounds” closes the album, and it might be the most complete song on the album Piano combines with a rough riff and some depressive vocals. What is probably the best part of the album is how the band gathers various influences and elements and dissolves them together into their personal brand of music. In this regard, it’s fairly experimental, but the album doesn’t lose its overall potency.