Science of Sleep
Hellmouth
(Bastardized Recordings)
Science of Sleep return with their second full length poised to strike harder. Here, the band taps into the bountiful history of Hell for inspiration. Science of Sleep cultivates stories and subject matter pertaining to vile human acts and tales. The music pushes hard to match that suffering and vengeance. Their modern version of death metal is savage and urgent. Bastardized Recordings join these German boys again to release Hellmouth in time for Thanksgiving.
While the production is thick and crisp with very modern metalcore riff writing in its foundation, Science of Sleep yearns to deliver harsh death metal. To their credit, they do no embellish in current deathcore technology or trendy filters of vocals. This is young man’s metal, but still, it is ripping metal. The drums are belligerent and stunning. The drums pummel to fill every moment they can. The drive the breakdowns and bridges to exact furious energy from the audience. The vocals are guttural growls and bellows, bandied with a few higher pitched screeches. It matches the music.
Most songs avoid formulaic traps. “Wanderers” and “Plainfield” truly stick out in the middle of the album as unique and brutal. I will always adore a breakdown. I can’t listen to most modern ‘deathcore’ bands as they become too repetitive. I would say that Science of Sleep keeps tracks fresh and varied enough, never relying on any one trick. The second track, “Purge” kills with its time changes and insane speed. Science of Sleep won’t break new ground or innovate a technique but I do not need that. I grew up and still live hardcore; god knows innovation is not required to engage a listener. Monstrous beats and thick riffs that crush will do just fine.
RIYL: Aborted, Carnifex, Dew Scented, Ion Dissonance, Despised Icon, As Blood Runs Black
