Over the course of an EP and a full length release, progressive death metallers Black Crown Inititate have been building a heady reputation. Unlike many of their prog/death hybrid peers who focus on over the top technical prowess and guitar noodling over the sheer heaviness of death metal; BCI have never been afraid to venture into bleaker realms of more extreme bands and have as a result proven a very exciting prospect, threatening to create something truly wonderful. On latest release Selves We Cannot Forgive (eOne/SPV), they may have just done it.

Many progressive/death bands cite the likes of Meshuggah, Opeth and Mastodon as influences and claim to have forged anything that actually shares ground with them, but on Selves…BCI actually show these varied sides clearly and masterfully. From the ultra heavy to clean and delicate dynamic shifts of Opeth to the metallic and other world like feel that both Mastodon and Meshuggah can generate, BCI throw a lot in to their mix but create their own identity and fluid sound rather than just a mere mix of inspirations.

In addition to this is a greater sense of a dark and unforgiven atmosphere which at times is reminiscent of Architect’s All Our God’s Have Abandoned Us(Epitaph) in its feel of ultimate despair and ruin. Certainly it proves much somber than their previous output and helps it to build its own identity in an ever-crowded genre, which rarely hits such melancholic territories. There is a still a great sense of diversity however, from the bleaker and heavier elements of death metal and even at times doom to some of the genre’s trademark technicality; but with a sense of balance which exemplifies each side. This is matched with the vocal trade-off between harsh vocalist James Dorton and clean singer Andy Thomas who also eschew the sometimes copybook nature of their peers and actually sound unique and standout.

It is very rare for progressive death metal bands to really strike the balance between prog virtuosity and dynamism with the crunch and pummel of death metal, but on Selves… Black Crown Initiate have managed the tall task of fine tuning both sides and pairing both with aplomb. Always threatening to offer something special, Selves…could prove a defining moment for the genre with one of its most complete works to date.

9.0/10

CHRIS TIPPELL

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