Spectrum Of Delusion - Neoconception

Last week I was asked to talk about Spectrum of Delusions new full-length release Neoconception. When I heard the question I was stoked right away!
Spectrum of Delusion is a fairly young band from Katwijk, Zuid-Holland, which is funny because Katwijk is technically in my backyard (so to speak). My mind was blown knowing they recently signed with The artisan era, but after some thought I realized that they fit right in with their label mates Inferi, The odious construct, Equipose and Mordant rapture, making a solid entrance into a genre that seems to be flourishing the last couple of years.

First of all, Neoconception is way out there!
Brutal, melodic, some groove but most of all highly technical. The material found on this record is meant for trained ears. This is why I found some of the material on this album to be a bit strange because of the weird selection of notes put together. Now don't get me wrong here.. We are talking about my first two listens or so. I got to say that the album did grow on me the more i listened to it. And understanding the story told really motivated me to delve deeper into this complex musical madness. Believe me if i say there is alot to talk about. This is why we are going to talk highlights instead of breaking down each of the 13 tracks.

On the intro of the first track 'Downfall' we hear a broadcast about the sighting of an asteroid with the music slowly seeping through which after it fully emerges hits you right away with the technicality i was talking about. Alot of groove on this first track but expect no simply rythmes here. The drums are hopping from section to section seemlessly providing not only the much needed rhytme but creating a spectacle of blasts, fills, groove and excellent footwork.

On the second track 'Defunct Reality' the bass really shines through nicely. Sliding al over the place with great skill, creating a nice distinct sound giving the music the smoothness it deserves. the sound could make one think of bands as Beyond Creation or label mates Equipose. Everything is well thought of and smoothly executed not only by every individual band member but also as a whole. So much so that it almost sounds too perfect. I'm a bit more of the cavernous, heavy and murky sound but that's a matter of taste.

I also understand making crazy technical music, you want your production to be as crisp and clean as possible.

 

Moving on to one of the finest tracks on this album in my oppinion. 'Welcome Death' is much more old school death and black metal influenced. A bit less tech death and that's ok. It's a much needed breather before going back into the vortex. I must say that it's going to take me alot of listens to be able to fully express myself about the mindblowing guitar work. It's fast, frantic and constantly on the edge. It's often pretty dissonant but at times also pleasantly melodic. You can hear that these guys definitely did their time on the practicing bench!

'Bringing Serenity' is a fine example of how diverse these guys can be. Expecting technical death metal, one does not expect to be listening to uplifting melodies in this mostly acoustic track. It truly made me smile the first time I heard it.
It's a nice change of pace and emmersive. I really do paint pictures in my mind while I'm listening to this track and that's a good thing! Spectrum of Delusion are phenomenal at what the do. Nothing seems out of place and the production of it all is tremendous.
Being as technical as they are, they might not be for everyone. But if you are in to modern Tech death, you are into Spectrum of Delusion!

Score: 8/10.