On April 10, SYMBOLIK will release their debut album "Emergence." SYMBOLIK is a technical melodic death metal band from California. The band formed in 2008, and they have only thus far released an EP titled "Pathogenesis" in 2011 and a single titled "Diverging Mortal Flesh" in 2015. However, SYMBOLIK has been busy working on this debut album in the past decade. Since I am a huge fan of bands from The Artisan Era and this style of technical/melodic death metal, I am excited to dive right into this album and the review.

If you're familiar with The Artisan Era and bands from their label, then you may have an idea of what SYMBOLIK will sound like. SYMBOLIK's style of technical melodic death metal is symphonic and neoclassical inspired. The neoclassical influence is most noticeable in the guitar. The lead guitar is arpeggio driven throughout the album. Compared to their 2011 EP "Pathogenesis," the guitar riffs on "Emergence" are more melodic. These melodic guitar passages are a thread of continuity on the album and help the band develop a cohesive structure and sound throughout. Although the neoclassical influence is definitely present, I sometimes wished the band would take it further and experiment with transitions and progressions of musical movements typical of classical music. The symphonic element is a nice addition to the newer technical melodic style of death metal. There isn't a strong symphonic presence like with other symphonic bands, but enough to complement the neoclassical aspect of the music.

The first track is "Augury of Ancients." No intro track on this album, just melodic guitar shredding right from the start. Both low and high growls are used, sometimes at the same time for a duet effect. The guitar solo breaks up the song. Blast beats and an almost black metal riffs brings us to the end of the song. The second track is "Invoking Oblivion." The background riff starts off with syncopated discordant guitar notes that give way to more of those melodic guitar passages.

Skipping to the fourth track "Corridors of the Consumed." The beginning and main riff is reminiscent of bands like BEYOND CREATION and ARCHSPIRE, in a good way. At the half way point, "Dirge of All Creation" is next. I like the addition of the synths on this track for the atmosphere that it brings.

The intro for "In Servitude of Silence" is the most noticeably symphonic. The intro synths and choir are a bit campy due to their tone. Otherwise, the rest of the track is solid. The closing track is "When Eternity Collapsed," which features nice atmospheric synths that build right into the melodic guitar riff of the track. It's a good ending track and features great performances from the guitarists and the drummer.

Overall, I recommend this album to new and old fans of this style of technical melodic death metal. If you're a fan of older FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, INFERI, or ALTERBEAST, then check out this album. There are increasingly many bands that play this style of death metal, but SYMBOLIK stands out from the rest. Even though this is only their debut album, they show a lot of promise and maturity.