Revocation
Existence Is Futile

Release Date: 2009 | Tracklist

Revocation is a Boston based technical death/thrash metal band that formed in 2006. This band is a breath of fresh air compared to some of the other bands that get labeled with the dreaded "thrash revival" tag. With this release Revocation proves that they have matured a good deal since their last full length.Those unfamiliar with Revocation only need to know a few things, the band blends technical death metal with heavy thrash grooves to create an onslaught of precise and very impressive riffs and they aren't afraid to let a little melody through the seams on occasion.

Revocation has a great blend of chugging rhythm and floaty melodic leads to keep balance of variation at a reasonable level. This quality helps maintain the listeners attention throughout Existence is Futile. While the guitarwork on the album is precise and technically impressive it still manages to remain catchy for the most part. The solos on Existence Is Futile typically are the highlights of the songs, this is one attribute that the band has maintained on both of their releases. The solos are always top notch and epic for the most part. Davidson clearly has chops and this album is the ultimate piece of material to prove that statement true.

Vocalist/bassist Anthony Buda plays a major part in the bands overall sound. While at times the bass isn't always present, it does manage to wander into the mix on occasion. When this does happen though the results are beautiful. An example would be on "Dismantle the Dictator" creating the most orgasmic moment the album has to offer, towards the end of the track it almost sounds as though Revocation hooked up with Les Claypool and had a little jam session. Moments like these are what really make this album an above average effort.

Buda and Davidson's vocals have a charming quality to them. He has a decent range for the style and at times his pipes even sound slightly hardcore tinged. Some vocal layering and gang chants are used on the album as well, not often but when it does occur it gives the performance the flare it needs to keep from becoming dull.Phil Dubois is a machine of a drummer. Throughout the record he can be heard pounding his kit into dust. The majority of his playing is fast paced due to the rest of the band being musically strung out, but during songs like "Leviathan Awaits" when the band takes a small breather from all the fast paced playing Dubois gets time to prove he isn't just a one trick pony.

Overall when listening to this album it is hard to believe that Revocation is a three piece. Not many bands can pull off such a solid sound with so little members. So all in all Existence Is Futile is good enough to get a four out of five and fifty minutes of your time. Anyone who is looking for a quality shred fest needs to get this album as soon as possible. Revocation has yet to make their masterpiece but this album may cause some to believe that their next release may be that exactly.

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3.8 excellent

Rank: #0 for 2009