UMUR
"Access Code" is the 2nd EP release by UK based (but Polish rooted) progressive extreme metal act Deconstructing Sequence. The EP was independently released in July 2014. Deconstructing Sequence was formed in 2012 by Tiberius (guitars, bass, vocals) and Morph (vocals, synth and programming) after their former band Northwail split-up. They are at this point essentially a two-piece, but they´ve enlisted J. Nerexo (Shadows Land, Torquemada, Phaeton) to do session drums on "Access Code". Something he also did on the band´s first EP release "Year one (2013)".
"Access Code" features 2 tracks, and a full playing time of 16:04 minutes. The music style is rooted in death metal and black metal, but there are elements from other genres too, and the music is generally very progressive both in structure and in execution. The tracks feature many different sections and atmospheres, from brutal and heavy, to mellow and atmospheric/melodic (the music features both growling, clean vocals, and spoken word sections). The lyrics are sci-fi oriented and the band often use spacey synths to compliment the lyrical themes, and to great effect I might add. Deconstructing Sequence really understands how to build a credible sci-fi atmosphere. The sound production is overall well sounding and suits the music, but the otherwise very well played drums, suffer from a slightly clicky and powerless sound, and there is a digital quality to the production which is probably an aquired taste.
Two tracks are not much material to go by if you want to know what an artist is about, but listening to "Access Code" it´s quite clear that the two main men behind the project are both skilled musicians and songwriters. This is not only innovative music, it also works incredibly well and doesn´t sound forced in any way (which is sometimes an issue with progressive music). Deconstructing Sequence is definitely a band worth following, and it´ll be interesting to see if they have enough good ideas to fill a full-length album with quality material like this. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.