Aumicide
As for music, the album allows itself to make different contrasts, that is, you can find moments of high aggressiveness, as well as moments where the revolutions drop. They also show us very clearly the harmonic aspects on which they want to base themselves from the beginning with those dissonances in the guitars and bass that take us to the bad vibes in which we want to be. The drums also contribute a lot, they reserve the use of the “Blast Beat” very well, they tell you that metal does not have to be something fast as hell, metal is metal and at the tempo that we want, such is the case of “Inward To Abraxas” where the use of polyrhythms musically draws attention. The voices also adapt excellently with a good “Death Growl” style that sometimes evolves. The use of choirs in “Salted in Stygia” is a notable element. Musically, “A Monolith Aflame” also captures our attention, which has progressive elements that take you from the minimum to the attack and intensity, it brings you back at least a moment, and little by little it raises you again, or rather sinks you to a satisfactory hell.
The strongest point of this album is the scheme it presents, that is, how they organize their songs, as well as the transitions, make it a very striking album; Although the thematic lines may be complex and intricate, the transitions make it feel natural and more than digestible, exquisite; In fact, this is a point with which we can measure the maturity of concept that they have in this album and that in previous ones such as “LP” or “Apexapien”.
To conclude, this album does not present an innovation in the world of extreme metal, however, it does contain commendable elements such as sound balance and presents a clearer sound exploration. In the same way, each song has its personality that contributes to the overall meaning of the album and the transitions between each one allow you to feel that you are listening to a thirty-minute song that does not bore you.
In only three releases, ATRÆ BILIS have managed to elevate their sound to a level some tech-death bands could only dream of. The songwriting on this record is outstanding. Each element feels intentional and even the most dissonant sections feel confidently directed.
Aumicide is meticulously conceived and immaculately fastened together. Staggered riff patterns and jagged grooves sync together despite their short-lived spans. Ideas disperse as quickly as they appear, or they reprise themselves at odd intervals and unexpected junctures.
All in all, Aumicide is undoubtedly an impressive sophomore effort. Whilst Atræ Bilis don't quite deliver a Cryptopsy level of brutality, or match the high melodic levels Quo Vadis, or even perhaps the pure technicality of Beyond Creation, they do a grand job at merging elements from each of these acts together.
