Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Aphyxion Earth Entangled Company: Mighty Music Release: 2014 Genre: Death Reviewer: Greg Watson

Soulfully good

Where do I even start? Aphyxion is a Danish death metal band comprised of four teenagers. Yep, you read that right, teenagers. Adding to the wow factor, they've logged almost 100 shows already including gigs at Wacken Open Air and Copenhell. With their feature full length album, "Earth Entangled", Aphyxion announce their presence to the world with a primal roar. Boasting some kick ass breakdowns, strong catchy riffs, beautifully aggressive solos and vocals that would make ol' Lucifer himself tremble, "Earth Entangled" is a phenomenal album.

Opening track "Transgress" immediately kicks in with all engines revved to maximum velocity and when the vocals start, the ferocity is equivalent to taking a boot to the face. As the album progresses, each track builds off of the intensity and momentum of the preceding cut. What amazes me most of all is the fact that this band sounds so tight. The precision and maturity that each song possesses is just mind blowing and well beyond this band's years.

Coming from Denmark's bruising underground scene, where acts like Hatesphere and Mnemic first honed their skills, you can definitely tell that this band is not just a chip off the old block. Possessing the same ethos and work ethic as the aforementioned bands, Aphyxion have taken deliberate care in crafting their music and turning themselves into a well-oiled machine. Another asset beyond youth and region is the fact they have teamed up with producer extraordinaire Jacob Hansen. Having experience with bands like Hatesphere, Mercenary, Volbeat, Epica and Pretty Maids, Hansen's production is top notch. With the production standards and the band's machine-like precision, "Earth Entangled" could beckon a new era of Danish underground metal.

In conclusion, I'll end with this: There are bands and albums that you have to jump on the minute you hear about them. Sometimes it's because they are so out of this world that you just have to experience the music. Often it's just because it's so soulfully good that to pass on it would be a crime. "Earth Entangled" is an album that falls into those categories. Mark my words, this band will be around for a while and I can't wait to hear what they do next.