The Tyrolean extreme metal group Relinquished, have been performing on stage for 15 years, and in March this year, they returned to the studio to celebrate their anniversary with a brand new album, which is also their third, entitled “Addictivities (Part I)”. In a fusion of death, black and progressive metal, this, the first of a three-part concept album, deals with the drug-addicted protagonist Daniel, and also narrates the prequel-story of Relinquished’s debut album, “Susanna Lies In Ashes”, released in 2011. Founded in 2004 by Sebastian Bramboeck (vocals) and Anton Keuschnick (guitar), Relinquished also comprises of Simon Dettendorfer (guitar), Dominik Steffan (bass) and Richard Marx (drums).

Relinquished

Five years since their last album release, Relinquished steps up to the plate refreshed and inspired. This band has seen and done so many things since their debut release, yet remain consistent with a gritty brutality.

The songs on “Addictivities (Part I)” drip with real devastation, such as the epic opener “Expectations” which tells the story of unfulfilled expectations, and “Bundle of Nerves”, among others like “Syringe” and “Zero” with bring such rabid ferocity that any head-banger would be hard pressed to resist a concussion.

Songs like “Avalanche of Impressions” and “Into the Black” contain fierce vocal rumblings and killer drums, with the former being a true highlight of the album. The tracks on this record are in perfect storytelling order and nothing feels out of place or short of being truly, and insanely, disturbed.

The album is dripping with power, unrelenting guitars, and is one of the most confident-sounding albums in the band’s career. Sebastian’s vocals are even more guttural than before, while still being one of the more understandable screamers in metal today.

Cover artwork

By the time you’ve scrutinized the instrumental impact of “Pulse” and the dramatic dynamics of “Void of My Ashen Soul”, it’s clear that on this album, Relinquished aren’t just repeating themselves, but rather expanding on a sound that is now undeniably theirs.

One of the best qualities about “Addictivities (Part I)” is its sense of balance. Relinquished knows what their fans expect from them, but still continue to push the envelope and not fall into homogeny. Lyrics across the album are delivered in a surprising variety of screams and rhythmic speech, and a consistent rage bordering on hopelessness runs through the songs.

In a new age of metal flooded with groove-junkies and djent-clones, Relinquished show they can get as technical as the rest of them, but make songs that will get stuck in your head on the first listen alone despite the complex arrangements.

On the same note, “Addictivities (Part I)” is a progressive and madness-provoking piece of modern metal mayhem deserving of a place in any home stereo. From first to last, this is one devastating behemoth of an album. As a result, this record’s wall-to-wall canned affliction is as ferocious a metal recording you will hear this year. Crank the volume to eleven and rock out!

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