Patterns Of Decay have been peddling their full-throttle brand of Metal since 2014, gigging in and around their native New York and having previously released their debut EP Malicious Intent in that year, and their follow-up LP Suicide Note In Comic Sans in 2018.

With over 100 shows under their belt and supporting slots with the likes of Deicide, All That Remains, and Misery Index, the experience of playing live to thousands of metalheads and a natural progression in songwriting has brought them to this, their self titled sophomore album.

The band first hit the studio towards the end of 2019 and were no doubt coming in off a high of touring and supporting their debut album, but like everyone else were soon hit with the pandemic which slowed down their momentum. But which on the flip side provided them with the opportunity to work on the sound that they would develop for the record, with the subsequent lockdowns providing an unexpected and extended period of time for writing and rehearsing.

The album opens with ‘Chrysalis’, and it is apparent straight off the bat that this is a band created from a myriad of different influences, as old school thrash meets death metal and New York hardcore. The contrasting vocals of Christian Contello and guitarist Matthew Stirrat trade off against each other perfectly over crisply produced guitars and percussion, before the track fades out with a melodic section allowing the band to showcase a further weapon in their arsenal.

‘Insomnious’ then starts off slower before the initial death / doom growl gives way to the track exploding into life with Contello’s screaming vocals taking over and the pace increasing, while a tasty Slayer-esque guitar solo hits later in the track. Lead single and video ‘House Of Doors’ has an eerie intro, which in a way sums up the tone of the record, which is dark and sinister throughout. The track also features one of the albums most radio friendly fist-pumping hardcore sections, with the band channelling their inner Biohazard / Sick Of It All influence.

Each song flows relentlessly from one to another, as does the varying ferocious styles the band swirl together in the melting pot to great effect, with just the instrumental track ‘Ru(m)ination’ providing a short period of respite half way through. Close your eyes while listening to the rest of the album and you can see the circling mosh pit that this has been created for!

This is a band that certainly knows what they are doing, and each track is perfectly arranged with skilled musicianship. Including great use of duel guitars and impressive work by drummer Antonio Romano, alongside the interesting blend of vocal styles keeping things fresh throughout.

Buy the album here: https://patternsofdecay.com/

7 / 10

ABSTRAKT_SOUL_