![amnio / shenk / astral decay – midnight journey of the beast [split]](https://www.vm-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Amnio-Shenk-Astral-Decay-Midnight-Journey-of-the-Beast-Split-cover.jpeg "Amnio / Shenk / Astral Decay – Midnight Journey of the Beast [Split]")
Info
- Band(s): Amnio, Astral Decay, Shenk
- Label(s): Night Shift
- Release Format(s): Digital, Split
- Release Year: 2024
- Review Date: July 11, 2024
- Author(s): Dzor
As the Melodic Death Metal revival resurges, it is being spearheaded by a new generation of bands composed of young, talented kids thirsty to show their own spin on one of the more popular yet equally maligned subgenres of Death Metal. This split compiles three promising acts that have already made some waves with their previous EPs and demos, so it is worth diving into each one as they follow a different approach through the two tracks each present here.
Firstly, we have Amnio, who are fresh off their killer EP ‘The Entropy Within Our Hearts’ – a furious and passionate effort that is equally indebted to the Swedish Melodic Death stalwarts but also the hardcore sensibilities of early Gothencore pioneers like Undying, The Year of Our Lord or Dead Blue Sky. Much like these acts, the sweeping guitar harmonies that Amnio dish out are equally blazing fast but carry this feeling of grandeur and with a very emotional tone. You can see this with the final track ‘Amnio’ as the song ends on a furious yet beautiful note with its moving guitar solo. Both songs are vibrant and have a youthful energy that is the result of talented individuals behind their respective kits.
Next up we have Shenk, which is the band that has arguably made the biggest jump in quality since their previous material. Their brand of Melodic Death is clearly influenced by the likes of Intestine Baalism in the way it straddles between more brutal elements like low end gutturals, chuggy riffs and blast beats mixed in with beautiful melodic arrangements and even keyboard passages seen in both tracks. It is precisely this combo that gives the music a very dynamic edge and the ability to guide the listener through sudden and abrupt changes in tempo, ambience and general heaviness that never feel awkward or meandering.
Lastly, we have Astral Decay, a band I have been following since their first demo. The difference between the songs presented here and previous offerings is night and day, as the main person behind the band has worked hard at improving some of the previous deficiencies, particularly the mixing. They have heavily leaned into what made the EPs shine despite the obvious faults, which is the ripping solo work – just listen to the incredible one present in ‘Hymns of the Forlorn’. Much like Shenks, Astral Decay also takes heavy influence from Intestine Baalism (and other Melodic Death on the more brutal side) which gives the music that duality that was lost with the genre over the years. The fast tremolo picked riffs during the rhythmic sections also help give the music a more Blackened edge to it, which provide another interesting layer to the release.
With splits, the issue that usually arises is an uneven lack of quality where one of the bands outshines another. This is one of the rare instances where that isn’t the case and each act brings something different to the table for everyone to enjoy. If you’re a Melodic Death Metal fanatic or enjoy the more brutal side of it, I highly recommend picking up this split and keeping an eye out for each of the bands here as they hopefully put out more material in the near future.
