Review Summary: Basically, it's if Imaginary Sonicscape was more cohesive and took cues from Unexpect and Vile.
Despite the fact that every component of
Chronicles of an Aging Mammal is integral to its unique and satisfying sound, there is one element of this metal release that stands out among the rest. This element is the daring fusion of polar opposites. Whether it be ambience, extreme metal, or a variety of electronic music, the combination proves to be a successful mode of evocation. However, it still piques the listener's interest constantly. For example, the morose “Dementia (Reflections of the Elderly and Infirmed)” combines eerie samples and a quaint, diverse array of sounds. Yet, "Submerged (In Hollow Realistics)" is a spasmodic genre-mash, featuring a series of innovative qualities that show the tastefulness of the record.
Instead of a tawdry inclusion, the acoustic guitar on “Complex 25” is sparse and effective. Alongside it is the operatic voice on the intense “Procreation Abnegation”. Both of these tracks already utilize a vast array of textures, but
Chronicles of an Aging Mammal still breaks sonic boundaries. In terms of structure, most songs explore a broad range of ideas, using simplistic and effective segues. Still, the album contains epic song lengths and innovative ideas; the combination of these components leads to a grandiose effort. Another staple of this record is the alternation between density and technicality. And another is the integration of folk music and electronic-tinged death metal. While tracks like “Complex 25” and the album's closer focus more on futuristic soundscapes, “March Of Chemical Pessimism” and “Procreation Abnegation” focus on intensity. Combining squealing axes with frenetic instrumentation, “Procreation Abnegation” proves to be one of the most diverse tracks with an equally fresh song structure. Yet, “Complex 25” and its predecessor are far more texturally expressive. The integration of disco and extreme metal is fascinating on this track Yet, this intrigue is present on all the album's tracks. Case in point: The opener balances programmed accents and angular dissonance in a quaint, yet strangely cohesive manner. This arrangement is particularly fascinating, as are the new wave quirks on its successor. This combination of songwriting, eclecticism, and taste allow
Chronicles of an Aging Mammal to be the futuristic, layered record it is.
