With the French behemoths GOJIRA trailblazing their way across the globe it was only a matter of time before more Metal groups began their own journey and rise into the scene. Such is the case with SURVIVAL ZERO. Bursting out from Champagne in 2017 the young group have taken their own flair and stylings to lay down their debut album "The Ascension".

The artwork is both lively and vibrant whilst also showing an almost morbid scene. Appearing to show a deceased man ascending following his death.

The opening track "Lost In Eri" gives off an air that reminded me of a vessel that was, well, lost. With an intermittent beeping that sounds like navigation equipment working away before the instrumentals kick in with a melodic line that is very easy on the ears as the beeping continues on in the background and on into the track transition. Straight away "Old Man's Path" delivers a very traditional sounding Hard Rock attitude with aggressive and heavy riffs which wouldn't be amiss within a MACHINE HEAD track, in fact, pretty much all of the elements of this fantastic track can be said to have taken influence from Robb Flynn's powerhouse outfit.

This heavy influence continues into "Ascension". The track builds in depth and complexity through the introduction before we are opened up to a full-bodied heavy track. The subtle melodic elements that sit hidden behind the rhythm sections of the track really add a different dimension to the music, that whilst it may not miss it, it certainly adds so much.

As we hit the middle point with "Degeneration" the individual influences have really started to become apparent. What is nice to see though is how SURVIAL ZERO have brought these influences together to create their own individual sound. It's dense, complex and thoroughly enjoyable.

When "The Coldspot" comes on, instantly my ears pricked up, there was something different about this and it soon became apparent. The softer, gentler instrumental track was serving as a breather. To allow the listener to gather their thoughts and build their energy for the final two tracks, and build you do.
As SURVIVAL ZERO gives the listener a final blast with "Foundation" and "The Otherverse" it has become apparent that these guys mean business. Complex song structures, accented with sublime subtle elements that really add a great deal of depth. What a way to see out their debut.

Overall, this was a fantastic debut album, I am excited to see how this band progresses and how they continue to develop their sound in the future. Fans of MACHINE HEAD and GOJIRA would do well to take heed and listen to this album, this could be the next big thing to come out of France.