Divinity - Allegory
Canadian metallers Divinity are ready to unleash their blend of progressive, death and thrash metal onto eagerly anticipating UK and European ears and it seems to be working. Their latest and long awaited release Allegory, produced by Tue Masden who has previously worked his magic for The Haunted and Dark Tranquillity seems to be working up a storm among the metal elite. Those who are lucky enough to have heard Allegory already cannot sing its praises any higher.
After forming in the late 90’s the band has since risen to the top of the Alberta metal scene, with 10 years experience playing with the likes of Cannibal Corpse, Into Eternity and Kataklysm. Not only has this helped them build up a massive and devoted fanbase on their home turf but it has spread the seed for Divinity to become well respected in metal circles in the UK.
New album Allegory will certainly please anyone with a taste for the heavy and the brutal. As you’d expect you’ve got the aggressive, deep death metal growls interspersed with the occasional melodic singing. Their technical ability is also shown off in their complex riffs, melodic hooks and metallic grooves. Combined with crushing bass and absolutely solid hammering drums, it all adds up to a massive intense roar, a roar of anger, frustration and brutality. The progressive/math rock-esque guitar riffing and groove laden bass lines are a great compliment to the constant pounding rhythm. Likewise the brief melodic singing parts make it a little easier on the ears, giving you a break from the relentless complexity and ferocity.
With lyrical themes include battles against technology, substance abuse and in their own words ‘the chaos of existence’ it’s plain to see why Divinity is angry. Their battles against the world are thrown into the music they produce. It feels like one great release of built up tension and aggression. Everything they have and feel has been thrown into the mix. This is definitely one for those who love great technicality, a hardcore edge and some great guitar wizardry. The most surprising thing about ‘Allegory’ is the catchiness and accessibility of the songs. Yes it’s great technical progressive metal, but because there’s this great melody and the thrash and hardcore element, this will appeal to those outside the immediate genre fanbase.
For me this shows that this band has worked hard and I would recommend ‘Allegory’ to anyone that likes the above.