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Album Reviews : A Trust Unclean – Reality Relinquished

By on September 20, 2015

a0849003012_16For every generic deathcore band America churns out of its ass, somewhere else in the world a decent one is born. With the oversaturation of deathcore in the current metal scene, it can all become a bit mundane for even the most dedicated of listeners, which is why it’s always a pleasure to discover a deathcore band like A Trust Unclean, who have released their new EP, Reality Relinquished.

A Trust Unclean follow in the paths of bands like earlier Born of Osiris, Salt the Wound, and Veil of Maya, with a groove-oriented base laden with technical fills and tails. The staccato is real in this release, but so is the dramatic flair on the riffs that give an overall sentiment of desolation. The guitar work is impressive, but also accessible enough to just get straight into. These songs were crafted consistently and carefully, to ensure the flow of each song isn’t jarred by breakdowns or mandatory slow passages: no breakdown feels forced or out of place, which is a credit to them considering the way in which breakdowns are abused like a red headed stepchild in deathcore today. The drums are deliberate, aggressive and technically sound, with irresistible rhythm punctuating the EP. The bass work is unswerving and manages to keep up well with the carnage. The vocals are satisfyingly diverse, with sickening high pitches, gnarled mids and gutturals varied throughout the songs.

This entire EP is a highlight in and of itself, and finishes far too soon for me to be satisfied. Each song carries its own weight but still maintains a solid consistency that ties each of them together. Reality Relinquished left me craving more sinister grooves and masterful songwriting from A Trust Unclean, which I can only hope they deliver in the near future. If you’re a fan of technical deathcore, or bands like Malevolence and The Black Dahlia Murder, this EP will leave your neck sore from banging and your feet raw from stomping.

About

Benjen is a qualified teacher residing in the south-east suburbs of Perth. Benjen was introduced to hard rock at the age of 12 with Papa Roach's "Love-Hate Tragedy," and has developed a love for hard rock and metal since. He also has a keen interest in gaming and almost every fandom imaginable, from Doctor Who to Deadpool. He can be followed on Twitter @thetoadmode