Having been seven years since the release of their stellar debut full-length album Solipsist (Unique Leader Records), it was sadly seeming to be the case that Technical Death Metaller’s The Zenith Passage were perhaps going to be lost to the annals of time. Therefore it is a given news of a follow-up on Metal Blade is very welcome news and perhaps a sign of bigger things to come from them and as evidenced on Datalysium, time appears to have been kind to them. 

Following a shift in personnel in 2021, guitarist Justin McKinney is now joined by two ex-The Faceless band mates in bassist Brandon Griffin and vocalist Derek Rydquist alongside drummer Christopher Beattie; and is a change that has seemingly invigorated an already promising entity. Their brand of Technical/Progressive Death Metal wears the former descriptors on its sleeve proving a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience.

The album opener ‘The Axiom of Error’ sits at sub-three minutes and somewhat eases with its complexity, showing a shift between ferocity towards a groove-orientated passage and some melodic guitar leads. The following ‘Algorithmic Salvation’ and ‘Lexicontagion’ (both previously released tracks) ramp up the technicality in their playing and showcase some changes in dynamics throughout, the latter dropping midway through to moody air with floating clean vocals. 

‘Deletion Cult’ shows a prominent use of synthesisers which add to the scientific ambience and add an extra layer that works very well and highlights an expanding palette throughout the album’s duration. The closing title track which is the album’s grand piece and long player at over seven minutes, showcases aggressive passages through to soaring, Progressive Rock-influenced journeys that prove captivating.

It is arguable that Datalysium is not breaking new ground within Technical and Progressive Death Metal but it is certainly highlighting both these aspects and in a way that is proving a high benchmark for this style of music for the year. It will take repeated listens to fully digest all its movements and turns throughout and is more rewarding with each one. It may have been a long time coming, but the results of this are the band’s best work to date.

Buy the album here:

https://www.metalblade.com/thezenithpassage/

7 / 10

CHRIS TIPPELL