MISCREANCE - Reminiscence

'Trait d'Union' kicks off the album in rather unexpected fashion, replacing the anticipated blast beats with funky, bouncing, almost tribal percussion. Distorted guitars soon break into the arrangement as the pace increases, before the vocals arrive without warning, venomous, aggressive and seemingly ready for the next assault. The sound is fast and raw, with a noticeably unrefined bass tone that might initially seem rough around the edges but ultimately fits the composition remarkably well. Just when you think the track has shown all its cards, an impressive guitar solo provides one final highlight and brings this unconventional opener to a strong close. 

‍

'Scalp Ceremony' wastes no time, plunging straight into an uptempo riff backed by a swirling bass line and the same brutal vocal attack established by the opener. Calmer voices lingering in the background add an unexpected contrast without taking away from the track's aggression. Everything about the atmosphere reeks of old-school thrash and death metal, yet strong songwriting keeps it from feeling like mere nostalgia. MISCREANCE clearly knows how to turn their influences to their advantage.

‍

At over five minutes, 'Oracle's Rift' is one of the longer pieces on the album and delivers another high-speed assault. Once again, the remarkably prominent bass stands out, giving the instrument far more room than is often the case in extreme metal, and it works remarkably well. Around it, fast-paced drums and restless riffs create a more chaos-infused soundscape, constantly pushing the composition forward. Despite everything seemingly flying in different directions, there is a clear sense of control beneath the turmoil.

‍

Following one of the album's longest tracks, 'The Moaning Hill' comes in as its shortest and wastes little time making an impact. Dirty, dark guitar lines dominate the composition, repeatedly interrupted by unexpected technical details that keep things interesting. Compact, heavy and direct, this is the kind of track that should translate into one hell of a stomping mosh pit live.

‍

'Zenith of a Dying Sun' circles back to the almost tribal percussion of the opener, this time accompanied by slower, brooding strings. Consider it a brief moment to breathe, because it does not last long before MISCREANCE launches back into their relentless musical assault. Occasional spoken-word passages offer another short escape from the otherwise harsh vocal delivery, while the bridge unexpectedly shifts towards more epic and melodic territory. A technically impressive solo then takes the spotlight before the track plunges back into its uncompromising character. 

‍

We close this madness with 'Mirage', which immediately catches us off guard with calm, clean guitars accompanied by the ever-present bass. Unlike much of the album, the vocals initially remain in the background, allowing the instrumentation to take centre stage and giving MISCREANCE one final opportunity to showcase their impressive technical ability. Even when the vocals emerge, aggression takes a back seat as dark, sinister whispers creep through the composition instead. An unexpected and atmospheric way to bring Reminiscence to an end.

‍

With "Reminiscence", MISCREANCE proves that looking towards the past does not mean being stuck in it. Old-school death and thrash collide with impressive technicality, prominent bass work and enough unexpected turns to keep the album constantly moving. Despite the relentless aggression, melodic passages and atmospheric details add welcome contrast without disrupting its raw character. A technically sharp and thoroughly engaging record that respects its roots while confidently carving out an identity of its own.

‍

SCORE 8.5/10

REVIEWED BY SWAMPY