We all know of the negative qualities that plague many brutal death and technical death metal bands in the scene today, as it is far too easy to fall into their respective traps. Abnormality plays a combo of both genres, and tactfully toe the thin lines of each of them, avoiding the pitfalls with a grace that is becoming increasingly rare as time moves forward. Their sophomore record, and first on new label Metal Blade, is a exercise in this tact that is one part brutality, one part technicality, and one part seething ambience. The production, while certainly on the cleaner side for this style, is clear, with the drums, guitars, and vocals all taking up massive spots on the record. Vocalist Mallika Sundaramurthy is a bit monotone, but is a beast regardless, and drummer Jay Blaisdell is thoroughly entertaining. Truly, Abnormality have some excellent years ahead of them if they stay on the path they've made for themselves, with Mechanisms Of Omniscience being a nice step.
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