Review: Aversions Crown, Xenocide

Aversions Crown - Xenocide
9.5/10
iTunes
Favorite Track: Cynical Entity

Australian heavy-hitters Aversions Crown started off the new year with a bang by releasing their new full length record on Nuclear Blast, Xenocide. Following the introduction of new vocalist Mark Podia in early 2015 (previously in I, Valiance), fans both new and old were eagerly looking forward to 2017 after the well-received singles “Ophiophagy,” “The Soulless Acolyte” and “Prismatic Abyss,” which gave fans a taste of what was in store.

After a short introduction, you’re dropped right into “Prismatic Abyss.” If I had to use one word to describe this song, I’m sure it would be chaos: every single member of the band delivers complete and utter destruction, letting you you know that you are in for some of the most brutal music Aversions Crown have written yet. From Podia’s gruesome vocal range to Mick Jeffrey’s skull-bashing riffs and Jayden Mason’s nonstop intensity on drums, Xenocide fires off like a machine gun in a crowd of bystanders. “The Soulless Acolyte” displays some severe Thy Art is Murder vibes instrumentally, but it’s “Hybridization,” our first taste of new material from the guys, that really drives home how diverse Aversion Crown have gotten. This song has one of the most synthetic and demonic sounding breakdowns I think I’ve ever heard.

Elsewhere, “The Oracles of Existence” has one of the most beautiful symphonic melodies I think I may have ever heard on a technical deathcore album. “Cynical Entity” is easily my personal favorite track on this record with its destructive vocal patterns and this spine-chilling line: “I am the filth you welcomed into your righteous being. I corrupted divinity and freed your soul from agony!” The harmony between Podia and Jeffery during this part is almost perfect. “Stillborn Existence” shows just how violent Aversions Crown can get, utilizing Mason’s speed-of-light playing and Podia’s flexible vocals to deliver wave after wave of goosebumps without going overboard on the brutality, and “Cycles of Haruspex” glistens with symphonic arrangements. The pair of “Misery” and “Odium” finish off the record in massive, apocalyptic style.

Xenocide is already a contender for best deathcore record of the year. You can tell the band poured their souls into producing the best material they can, so go out and pick up this record whether it be digitally, from Nuclear Blast, or your local record store. Aversions Crown have officially detonated a bomb in of the deathcore scene. Xenocide is essential.

- Dakota G.