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Maelstrom UNIQUE LEADER

Bombastic tech-death from the depths of Bordeaux

While Beneath The Massacre’s long-awaited return has been the techdeath event of the year, this French quartet are hot on their heels with their fourth album. Their Wagnerian approach to fretboard conquest comes with added bells and whistles to help

Maelstrom live up to its title, with even Miles Daviesesque trumpet playing on Wall Of Water and The Wreck making for a jarring juxtaposition. The opening title track’s operatic vocals make for an opulent start. The symphonic and electronic washes over the choppy riffs of Abyssal Flesh and

Orbital Station add an unnerving atmosphere that complements the Lovecraftian themes, while the sophisticated, elegant noodling before exploding into a chaotic stampede is always a thrill. ■■■■■■■■■■

FOR FANS OF: Beneath

The Massacre, Archspire, Born Of Osiris

ADAM REES