The DevilsHorns

Tasmania, home of tech death outfit The Absolution Sequence may or may not be a hotbed of aggression and deep growly vocal locals. I base this on my one listen of their debut album, Dread Cycle and I am more than happy to double down on this belief!

This is a 9 track, 43 minute album of deep intensity, at times it was actually exhausting to listen to, as so much happens within the individual tracks. The exhaustion was a good thing, believe it or not.

The album opens with ‘Despotic Ruin (Diet of Worms)’ and it is immediate. It starts big, big growly vocals, wandering bass-lines and guitar work, delivered by 3, yes 3, guitarists, that never seems to settle. My immediate thoughts where that I should not be listening to this via speakers – this is a headphones album. But it was hot, and I didn’t want sweaty ears!

down into a genuine head-nodder. Intricate guitar work brings the song up another level and it really provokes a reaction from the listener.

Perhaps the main issue The Absolution Sequence have, is that each song contains loads of ideas, it is a concentrated listen. However, each track always has a little nugget, a little piece of aural gold that captures you. The ending to ‘The Nightlight Sigil’, or the brief respite given by ‘Grinding the Sphere’ are prime examples, with the latter having a superb ending. These Aussies know how to finish a song!

With the album drawing to a close, I was almost glad it was coming to an end. It has unrelenting, unforgiving aggression throughout. The riffs are often thoughtful, intriguing and captivating. Each track is very busy, and so for this reason it will be getting subsequent listens using headphones.

You could listen to Dread Cycle on multiple occasions and pick out aspects of the tracks you missed last time round. To keep an album interesting is key for a band, especially when it just wants to treat you like its bitch!

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