| The Faceless’ sophomore release is one of the best Tech/death metal albums I’ve heard in a long time. California’s The Faceless, bring in a solid combination of catchy melodies,as well as alternating between slow crushing and groovy riffs. This is a good step forward for them and an awesome follow up to their Akeldama(2006), however, after hearing this release, the latter (Akeldama) will seem outdated. The band's success is owed to the talented musicians playing, but the Faceless' main draw is the stellar guitar work of Michael Keene and Steve Jones. The Opening track "Prison Born" features periodic breakdowns, that intensify the musical experience in a way that only the Faceless can make it happen. Although it is a short track, it serves as a very good introduction to what the album may hold in its depth. "Prison Born" leaves you hungry for more from these guys. On the Second track "The Ancient Covenant" the bassist Brandon Griffin proves his worth with the opening tapping fill. After this, the track takes off with a crushing riff and the constant Tech solos that Keene bludgeons and carves on the track's exterior all the way to the end. This track is certainly one of my favorites on this album because it is a blend of jazzy/proggy/tech riffs and outgoings, with softer clean sections. But the best part is when the vocalist Derek “Demon Carcass” Rydquist layers his vocals in such a way that makes you an angry beast wanting to crush the world.
"Shape Shifters" is track, and a Sci-Fi atmosphere - that the band goes after - dominates here, successfully achieved mostly due to Keene’s tremendous soloing. This short instrumental interlude leads the way to an upcoming crushing song. "Coldly Calculated Design" is the follow up track to "Shape Shifters". Lyle Cooper’s stellar performance behind the drum kit is scorching in this track especially the blast beats that never seem to stop; this is one ravaging song.
XENOOOOOOCHRISTTTTT!!! Just saying the word makes you angry and ready to destroy. The "Xenochrist" track is a technical classic with its angry vocals, that sound like a beast that's chewing flesh. The guitar work is just out of this world, and the drumming is so constant, feeling like it's rather a machine that's working its way. But the best part is saved for last(I'll let you listen to it for yourself).
"Sons of Belial" this track proves that Griffin has no trouble keeping up with the song’s demanding riffs and consistently providing a crushing low end to the album’s frequent breakdowns, like the devastating first minute of this track.
It is an epic track in which the evolution of mankind is best described by "Demon carcass", who makes you believe every word he says. Also, Keene adds a special twist through his jazzy riffage in the beginning and at the end of the track.
The highlight of this album is definitely "Legions of the Serpent" which in its turn adds a bit of a proggy approach to the album's technical crushing style. No words can describe this shit it's just something new and fresh.
"Planetary Duality I (Hideous Revelation)"; man this track is such a badass from a musical standpoint. A nice little theme that works out well for the technical sound that the band adheres to. The track starts off by a guy talking on the phone to the authorities about aliens and other abnormal beings, after which and from nowhere keene interferes with his crushing riffs leading the way to "Planetary Duality II (A Prophecies Fruition)" which makes one just wonder how much creative these guys are.
Although it might seem that the album is a bit short (31 mins), but listening to it will leave you in a prolonged state of heaviness and technicality.
(Much thanks to Hopig for this review) | 
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