The 2022 debut from this Chicago-based neoclassical melodic death metal act, Rex Mortem, was a fine example of a blind promo grab and review, and added to that year’s melodic death metal revival. So I have been eagerly awaiting a follow-up. And here it is.

For those unfamiliar, the band began as a more metalcore/progressive metal instrumental act before adding vocals and evolving into a melodic death metal project with very clear ties to the likes of Arsis and, in our opinion, the 00s metalcore act The Human Abstract. And all of those influences are still in play for the all-important follow-up album, maybe even more so.

The shredding, neoclassical backbone is still incredibly present, and very well done as two new guitarists (Steve Bacakos and Mike Hisson) from the debut. appear to have upped the shreddage even more from the debut. Add in some very strong songwriting, especially in the album’s second half, and even a couple of flamenco-inspired and orchestral flourishes (“Procession”, “Gallows Hymn”), and the recipe is here for a killer album avoiding the sophomore slump.

Admittedly, the album takes a few tracks to warm up and really grab me, but when it does, around “Wage of Exile”, where the sweep arpeggios are hot and heavy reminding me (as they did on thier debut) heavily of tracks like“Mea Culpa” and “Vela, Together We Await the Storms” from The Human Abstract‘s Nocturne album, t really locks in. The same can be said of “The Racking”, the moodier, groovier “Crown Crusher”, and “Citadel”, which closes this fine sophomore album on a surprisingly uplifting note.

[Visit the band's website]

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