COMPLEXANT – APEX

Vocals embody the genre with grim screams and deep growls. Dan Greigsy is an intense force, with his work on “No Angels Weep” having a dual-layer of vocals that harmonise and stand out among the brutal range displayed in Apex. Vocals on “Swing Myself To Sleep” and “Eye For An Eye” is pure rage. The intensity remains consistent and ever present in Apex, keeping things dialled to an eleven throughout.

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Guitars are grungy and full of riff, courtesy of Shannon Zivkovic and Gavin Bradley, with solos to spice up the heavy sound every now and again, as well as classic tritones to give that signature, wicked sound. “Critical Mass” is heavy at its finest, swift and brutal with oscillating chaos. Distortion and tones are well cultivated in the tracks, creating this constant chaos that is structured despite the frantic intensity of it all. Breakdowns are rich and heavy, with the single moment Apex slows, the strumming heard in the brief “No Hope For Humanity”, instills such an ominous atmosphere as a lead up to final track, “No Hope For Sanctuary.”

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As a powerful addition, Seb Su’s drumming is full of strength and iconic blasts. “Afterlife” is exploding with energy and unrelenting aggression while “Heretical Supremacy” is a highlight for percussion, full of depth and merciless blast beats. There is power behind each beat of the drum, the enlarged heartbeat of the group.

Followed just as closely is Chris Tuckley’s bass that shapes and darkens the wall of sound, adding pulsing, crunchy depth in “Cyclops”, “Eye For An Eye”  and “No Hope For Sanctuary”. It’s sinister, rich and works well in the tandem of chaos that is the guitars, forming a package of fury.

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Apex is a strong debut from Complexant, worthy of a listen for those hungering for some solid, local death metal. They capture a classic sound and compose a violent, heavy production that is hypnotic to get lost in.

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SCORE 9/10

Reviewed by GhostinthearmouR