Friday 25 October 2019

Review: The Spectre Beneath - The Downfall of Judith King



From the recommendation of the PR wire who provided this album for listening and reviewing, I decided to listen to this debut album by UK progressive metal act The Spectre Beneath. Their style is heavy, but not in the way of normal tech metal or progressive metal bands. There isn't much in the way of riffing or pretentious, cheesy cliches. The Spectre Beneath are completely different, really, and they are here to win an uphill battle. 

“The Downfall of Judith King” is an interesting affair that is always interesting and spell-binding. Indeed, I think that is the most impressive aspect here: the music grabs, holds and doesn't let go. The Spectre Beneath build a wonderful wall of sound using ever-expanding vocal work, offbeat drumming with amazing fills, a refreshing bass work and plenty of atmospherics. One of the things you will notice right away is the fact that The Spectre Beneath is very comfortable with odd time signatures.


The album never really stops, though. “As the Crows Peck at Your Bones" and the title track continue the incredible composition, though I feel that they are slightly more accessible. Track after track full of instrumental fireworks passes by, and the listener is blown away time and again by the fullness of the sound and the ease with which the band establishes an odd groove. This band has a penchant for creating groovy atmospheres that blow right over your head, but then come back and smack you in the spine with their genius.

“The Downfall of Judith King” is available from Bandcamp here. Stay in touch with The Spectre Beneath by following them on Facebook.

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