Genre: Technical Death Metal
Release Date: August 9, 2011
1. The Temptation (1:47)
2. The Hypocrisy (5:31)
3. The Imposition (4:38)
4. The Deceit (6:03)
5. The Violation (4:19)
6. The Egoism (6:22)
7. The Betrayal (5:31)
8. The Forsaking (5:37)
9. The Oppression (6:04)
10. Agony (3:34)
Fleshgod Apocalypse is back and better than ever with the release of their second full length studio album, Agony. This album has everything fans have come to expect from the Italian death metal act – insane drumming (well over 200bpm at most times), fast-paced guitar work, incredible guttural vocals (with the occasional high register clean vocals provided by bassist, Paolo Rossi), and orchestral elements to provide atmosphere.
Fleshgod Apocalypse now has a full time keyboardist, Francesco Ferrini. The result of his inclusion is the band can employ more orchestral and keyboard parts in their compositions. Whereas orchestral elements previously only added a bit of color to FA’s songs, they have now become an integral part of all the tracks on this new record. In my opinion, they pull it off really well (blending keyboards with a brutal death metal assault isn’t exactly the easiest thing to execute).
Music Video for "The Violation"
(they dress like this when they play live shows too)
Personally, it is the drums that really make Fleshgod Apocalypse stand out from other bands in the genre. Francesco Paoli is one of the most exciting death metal drummers out there today. His precise blast beats, motoring double bass attacks, and involved fills provide an intense backdrop to FA’s music. Without Paoli’s relentless drumming, I think Fleshgod Apocalypse would be just a good band. Paoli takes them to the next level and makes them a great band.
The Egoism
Agony truly represents a major step forward for Fleshgod Apocalypse and demonstrates how well they’ve honed their musical attack. I still listen to the Mafia EP (2010) more than I listen to Agony, but overall I have to say that this release is the best work they’ve put out so far. I’m very excited to see where Fleshgod Apocalypse goes next. They’ll be touring North America this fall with fellow death metal stalwarts Decrepit Birth and Decapitated. Be sure to check them out if they come near you, because they are a great live act as well!
Final Rating: 9.5/10
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