Labels: Self-Released/Transcending Obscurity Records
Formats: Digital/Vinyl
Release Date: 20 Dec 2019/21 Jan 2025
Tracklist:
1. Hymns of Distress
2. Limbic Thrust
I decided to reach for something a little shorter this evening. I initially thought this two-song EP from US tech-death band Replicant was a fully fledged 2025 release until I dug deeper. It was originally self-released digitally by the band back in late 2019 and Transcending Obscurity Records elected to give it it's first physical release in January. The time and care that's going into re-issuing older material now is great to see. Bands and labels are really upping their game in that regard, with this 7" being no exception.
I fear this release will send me down yet another musical rabbit hole and honestly, I’m here for it! ‘Hymns of Distress’ is brimming with avant-garde yet ferocious modern death metal. It’s blasting percussion and thunderous bass are matched by the guitar, with it’s sometimes metallic/sometimes downtempo riffing. The vocals have an old-school guttural sound (from a time before pig squeals).
‘Limbic Thrust’ is a couple of minutes shorter than the EP’s opener but that’s fine because Replicant choose to slow down the tempo (albeit subtly), providing a song that’s surprisingly catchy and memorable as a result. I can completely see why Transcending Obscurity chose to give this a vinyl release. It’s a great introduction to Replicant for those unfamiliar.
I’ve read comments by people saying that this EP is too short. I would agree if it wasn’t for that fact that it’s songs are of the highest quality. This is your cue to go and seek out their releases new (and old).
You can stream and purchase this EP digitally from Replicant below:-
Replicant - https://www.facebook.com/replicantnj
Transcending Obscurity Records - https://www.facebook.com/transcendingobscurityrecords
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