The opening track “Hostage” begins with some brutality and heavy, chugging chords with pick scraping and tapping. A melodic chorus expands this track smoothly then transitions into a heavy breakdown, all signature sounds of the New Jersey outfit
“Spoils of the Horde” opens up with a haunting thrashing tone which carries throughout the song. A solid tune that hits so very hard towards the end with a massive breakdown.
Continuing the thrash is “Savior of None Ashes of All”. Some seriously handy work from drummer Josean Orta on this track. Shows his flares but holds his groove when needed behind some tasty guitar runs. Another massive breakdown hits around the 2.50 mark, as the song provides a range of tempos, and dynamics and evolves beautifully to end on with Wilburn screaming the title of the track with some harmonic backing vocals.
“Weaker Wolves” opens with a thumping tom section that penetrates the chest. This song being the shortest on the album is a punchy, heavy hitter. Enjoying this track for its simplicity and lyrical hooks “ Hunt you down” and “ This is fuckin domination”.
A nasty string-bending, awkward interval guitar riff opens “Red Horizon” which again employs some awesome dynamics in tempo. Some insanely cool riffs throughout this song, have a listen to the riff at the 1.10 mark. Joe Badolato provides some big moments in this song, with a guttural section and a dropout section at the 3.12 mark.
The brutality does not stop with the title track “The Nothing that Is”. A signature breakdown in the middle of the song as Badolato screams “Erase”, holding onto the first syllable just enough to tickle the ears in an oh-so-pleasant way. The thought-provoking lyrics of this song are complemented well by a world-ending breakdown to finish this track.
“Lurch” is a slight change of pace as a clean guitar starts this song, hauntingly using effects and minor intervals to create a doom feel which then opens up into a huge wall of sound with thick guitars.
“Lower Purpose” opens with Badolato bringing in the power, really shining on this track. A pretty busy song, almost too busy, but one that after a few listens I’ve grown to appreciate.
“Lust for the Severed Head” enters chaotically and follow their signature song structure. The hooks scattered throughout this song make it memorable.
Closing out the album is “The Silver Sun” which is the first major change of gear. Dialling it back on the heaviness early, this song opens plenty of space and allows us to breathe through the early stages, before bringing in a breakdown backed by some haunting synths. A journey-type song, some nice changes in the instruments and vocals, with a soft close to a heavy album.
Upon initially hearing this album, I struggled to find much that stands out from the pack of brutality and heaviness that is laden throughout this album. After some more intent listening and time, this album has grown on me, and I have begun to appreciate the intricacies and details used throughout the 10 song creation. I can understand listeners experiencing some listening fatigue from this album early but persevere through and you will be rewarded.
Fit For An Autopsy: Facebook
Release Year: 2024
Label: Nuclear Blast Records / Human Warfare
Category: Album
Country: USA
Reviewed by Tom Christides (Tommy Gun)
