This self-titled album from Boston 4-piece band Revocation is the fifth in their already strong line-up of releases, most recently an EP showcasing the talents of new bassist, Brett Bamberger. This was released towards the end of last year after touring extensively with Chimaira, Cannibal Corpse and Dying Fetus amongst others. When they entered the studio in February of this year, frontman Dave Davidson described their new material: “This is shaping up to be some of our most aggressive material to date and will be the next logical step forward from our last EP.” This self-proclaimed aggression is apparent throughout the album, with a belligerent edge to the writing of the entire collection.

’Scattering the Flock’ shows off remorseless blast technique from drummer Phil Dubois, coupled with a dissonant thrashy pairing from guitarists Davidson and Dan Gargiulo. The kind of riff writing this band undertakes is bold and progressive, not more so than in the song ‘Spastic’ a song that that plays on irregular polyrhythms showing the knowledge and grasp of time that comes with both accomplishment of playing and sheer practice as a band. The track is one of the best instrumentals on a metal album today, without the feel of a lyric-less song but a truly inventive piece of music.

‘Insidious’ has the feel of a sugar-fed ADHD suffering child at a party, trying to do everything at once with the speed of a thousand horses. The song has so many different sections, it’s almost difficult to focus; containing everything from modern style break downs, to a blues solo, to a sodding banjo. At the same time the kind of song writing also comes with a lyrical mastery showcased in the greatest chorus, of sorts (it is more of a second verse) on the album.

This album is a remarkable album with elements of the groove drenched Pantera era metal from beginning to end, but with a modern feel that makes Revocation one of the most relevant metal bands playing at the moment.