Revocation
Existence Is Futile


4.0
excellent

Review

by combustion07 USER (74 Reviews)
March 14th, 2010 | 90 replies


Release Date: 2009 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Don't deny the riffs

Revocation is a Boston based technical death/thrash metal band that formed in 2006. This band is a breath of fresh air compared to some of the other bands that get labeled with the dreaded "thrash revival" tag. With this release Revocation proves that they have matured a good deal since their last full length.Those unfamiliar with Revocation only need to know a few things, the band blends technical death metal with heavy thrash grooves to create an onslaught of precise and very impressive riffs and they aren't afraid to let a little melody through the seams on occasion.

Revocation has a great blend of chugging rhythm and floaty melodic leads to keep balance of variation at a reasonable level. This quality helps maintain the listeners attention throughout Existence is Futile. While the guitarwork on the album is precise and technically impressive it still manages to remain catchy for the most part. The solos on Existence Is Futile typically are the highlights of the songs, this is one attribute that the band has maintained on both of their releases. The solos are always top notch and epic for the most part. Davidson clearly has chops and this album is the ultimate piece of material to prove that statement true.

Vocalist/bassist Anthony Buda plays a major part in the bands overall sound. While at times the bass isn't always present, it does manage to wander into the mix on occasion. When this does happen though the results are beautiful. An example would be on "Dismantle the Dictator" creating the most orgasmic moment the album has to offer, towards the end of the track it almost sounds as though Revocation hooked up with Les Claypool and had a little jam session. Moments like these are what really make this album an above average effort.

Buda and Davidson's vocals have a charming quality to them. He has a decent range for the style and at times his pipes even sound slightly hardcore tinged. Some vocal layering and gang chants are used on the album as well, not often but when it does occur it gives the performance the flare it needs to keep from becoming dull.Phil Dubois is a machine of a drummer. Throughout the record he can be heard pounding his kit into dust. The majority of his playing is fast paced due to the rest of the band being musically strung out, but during songs like "Leviathan Awaits" when the band takes a small breather from all the fast paced playing Dubois gets time to prove he isn't just a one trick pony.

Overall when listening to this album it is hard to believe that Revocation is a three piece. Not many bands can pull off such a solid sound with so little members. So all in all Existence Is Futile is good enough to get a four out of five and fifty minutes of your time. Anyone who is looking for a quality shred fest needs to get this album as soon as possible. Revocation has yet to make their masterpiece but this album may cause some to believe that their next release may be that exactly.



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user ratings (407)
3.8
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
combustion07
March 15th 2010


12822 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Not much to say about the album except that it is good. Going to see them live in May so figured I'd review it, I'm surprised it wasn't already.

bloozclooz
March 15th 2010


1770 Comments


heard these guys a while back on last.fm radio. i really need to check these guys out, they're one of those bands i've had sitting in the back of my head for a while now.

pos for reminding me.

bloc
March 15th 2010


70683 Comments


Almost the perfect band in terms of young technical death metal, but I was very bored when I listened to this.

combustion07
March 15th 2010


12822 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

I had some problems getting into it but it grew on me.

bloc
March 15th 2010


70683 Comments


Really man? Your pie chart is literally made from steel, I thought this would be some kiddy shit to you ;)

combustion07
March 15th 2010


12822 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

lol I'll reword that. I was kind of bored by it at first but then one day I decided to give it another chance and it blew me away. It's one of those albums you have to be in the mood to hear imo

bloc
March 15th 2010


70683 Comments


Hmm, that could be my problem as well. Not sure if I'd ever give this another chance though.

combustion07
March 15th 2010


12822 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Honestly the only reason I gave it another chance is because I got free tickets to a show they're going to be at.

bloc
March 15th 2010


70683 Comments


Haha, so this IS kiddy shit

VARGHULF
March 15th 2010


18 Comments


finally someone reviewed this, great album great review

ManRunsOverBus
March 15th 2010


45 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

good review, good album. but yeah, their best stuff is probably still to come

Wizard
March 15th 2010


20564 Comments

Album Rating: 2.0

Almost the perfect band in terms of young technical death metal, but I was very bored when I listened to this.



Pretty much.



Nice straight-forward review dude.

jingledeath
March 15th 2010


7100 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

agree with wizzy and bloc

IGotShotInTheFace
March 15th 2010


444 Comments


I have to check this shit out and download it when i cba.

bloozclooz
March 15th 2010


1770 Comments


bloc how is this kiddy shit? as in it's from a young band? because i think it is pretty mature material.

Inveigh
March 15th 2010


26899 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

I liked this a lot more when I first heard it last fall than I do now. It is what it is though, semi-primative thrashy tech death. Also, I'm pretty sure all their shows are free, because I saw them free in some suburb in January.



Good review though.

combustion07
March 15th 2010


12822 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Well they are touring with Job For A Cowboy so I'm not sure. I'm really just going for this and Cattle Decapitation. I'm not sure how much my friend paid (if at all) but he can't go, so it's time for me to teach some scene kids a lesson in the art of mosh.

Inveigh
March 15th 2010


26899 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

Haha, nice. Where is the show you're going to?

combustion07
March 15th 2010


12822 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

May 22nd Lawrence, KS at the Bottleneck.

Inveigh
March 15th 2010


26899 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

Oh damn, Lawrence is a fun town. Never been to the Bottleneck though. Are you a Mac Lethal fan???



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