Reviewed by Ian Webber

Symphonic and progressive in equal parts, this hybrid outfit from Sarasota, Florida blend the traditional with elements of crushing brutality on a six-track EP of light and shade. Opening with haunting keys and strings, "Primogeniture" slowly builds to a menacing chug of guttural growls and choppy guitars from its almost operatic female intro. Heavy metal credentials are stepped up further on the second track, "Tormentor", with its technical guitar acrobatics and metronomic drumming. A return to a more traditional death metal feel is heard in the title track as it aggressively lumbers at a much slower pace. Death Requisite manage to blend classical sounds with a dark, Scandinavian metal vibe in a surprisingly successful way in these skilfully constructed tracks. The second half of the album is really a repeat of the first half, but with an orchestral, instrumental setting. Driving guitars and wallowing grunts are swapped for a full orchestra. In these cuts some of the heavy metal attack is lost for an almost film score feel. At times I can hear elements of the background music from the Crystal Maze. As a whole, the package is moody and full of atmosphere even if it takes a couple of listens to get into the weird mix of traditional and experimental. This EP will not float every heavy metal fan's boat, but as a well-produced piece of symphonic metal, Death Requisite have shown that they are a highly skilled outfit.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.