Israeli-based tech-death outfit Structural are no strangers to taking time to hash out any kinks before finishing a full-length. Five years removed from their self-released debut album, the five-piece accentuate their talents on Decrowned (ViciSolum Productions/Sound Pollution). 

Combining smooth guitar licks and rigidly crafted compositions, the record is both easy to listen to and also reveals new elements with each further playthrough.

From the first notes on opener ‘And The Earth Has Rested,’ it’s abundantly clear that Structural are a no-BS band. The songs feel cooperative in a way that members metaphorically finish each other’s sentences. It’s an overall display of talent and intensity which is never stunted by showboating. 

Nadav Zaidman bellows deafening lines, and in fact, by the midway point of the record, the harshness only grows as the time elapses. 

‘Puppeteer’ is five tracks into Decrowned, yet each number after feels more heavy, more furious, more frantic. ‘Purge Of Sanity’ follows the lead and the tempo on ‘Rebirth’ eviscerates. 

Taking it a step further, each of the eleven songs bring its own uniqueness to the fore. Whether it be the teasing of atmospherics (‘Utopia’), the headbanging ways (‘Your Damnation’), or a formidable arc that intensifies towards the end (‘Ascetic’), Structural have it covered. 

Also from the start, rustic, granular guitar tones set the scene. Guitarists Shani Friedman and Tomer Dembinsky provide technicality on ‘White Lilly’ and ‘Rebirth’ effectively, yet the pair is also willing to allow for drummer Vadim Sergyenko and bassist Koren Esco to shine. Because really, regardless of who is taking the lead, the quintet never seems disorganized, out of place, or overcompensating. 

Decrowned doesn’t reinvent the wheel, rather it aims to prioritize quality over arrogance. Sure, each member of the band could go off on a lengthy solo, but that self-aggrandizement mentality isn’t nearly as crucial as the focus and precision with which Structural emphasize.

Buy the album here:

https://hyperfollow.com/structuralband

7 / 10

MATT COOK