Destinity - Ascension (Album Review)

French melodic death metallers Destinity continue to push boundaries with new album Ascension.

Opening the album is the title track, slowly building from nothing, the track is simple yet cinematic in its own right. Light Up Your Sky follows on immediately where the previous track left off, powerful guitars hitting hard from the opening note, the melodic nature of the riffs breaking up the growling vocals, the synth style elements ending the song grab your attention. Track three continues in a similar fashion, focusing on the strength behind Marzais’ intense double kick and drum fills; the breaks in the drums break up the almost repetitive nature of the musical elements. Crimson Portrait is a nice break from the style of the other tracks, both the instruments and vocals feel clearer with a more symphonic feel to the solos, an impressive showcase of their respective skills without straying too much from their sound.

Children Of The Sun is different again entirely, our first meeting with clean vocals (courtesy of Deathless Legacy’s Steva) on this album, the layered guitars create a more power-metal-esque energy, the bass peeking through nicely, working in harmony with the drums to create an energetic headbanging track. Final Fiction is fierce from the get go, chugging guitars and changing time signatures breaking up the track, a particular treat for headphone users with the way the song seems to dance between ears, attacking from all angles. Low gutturals from Caesare are strong in track seven, solid and unmoving, leading the song as the intricate riffs climb and build around them. Hollow Intent is yet another showcase of Destinity doing what they do best, the ending notes of the keyboard are something I wish didn’t get covered as much in the main song.

Everdark is more dramatic, it wouldn’t be far out of place as a soundtrack for a battle scene, the steadier beat broken up by short attacking bursts provides more clarity to the song, again another blessing for headphone users with the travelling vocals and slower melodic elements amplified. I spoke too soon with the keyboard complaints as the track features a small solo in the middle, a treat as it allows Barboni his own time to shine. Track ten leaves that all behind with a ruthless bassline, gritty and in your face, the sheer speed of the playing is impressive. Bringing up the rear is In Thorns, a final hurrah that exudes raw intensity, the track balances all the instruments with ease, each element adding something new without it being overwhelming, it’s a great way to end the album.

Overall, it’s a strong offering from the band who show no signs of slowing down, perfect for any fans of the genre.

Tracklist: