UMUR
"Beast" is the 5th full-length studio album by Canada, Montreal based deathcore act Despised Icon. The album was released through Nuclear Blast Records in July 2016. Despised Icon was formed in 2002 and released four full-length studio albums before disbanding in December 2010. They reunited in 2014 to play concerts in Europe and North America, and apparently whatever made them split-up was solved, because they opted to record "Beast". It´s their first album in 7 years since the release of "Day of Mourning (2009)". There´s been one lineup change since the predecessor as bassist Max Lavelle has been replaced by Sebastien Piché.
Stylistically the music on "Beast" is a technically well played type of deathcore with strong hardcore leanings (the riot gang vocals are great) and the occasional deathgrind part. It´s incredibly powerful and packed with brutal grooves, tempo changes, and aggressive raw vocals. There´s good variation between tracks on the 10 track, 29:02 minutes long album, which helps ensure that "Beast" is an entertaining release throughout. The high level musicianship is another great asset. Hard edged precision playing and two lead vocalists who compliment each other well. A deep intelligible semi-growling/raw hardcore shouting vocalist and a slightly higher pitched snarling aggressive one (there are a few pig grunts/squeals on the album too, but they are not the dominant vocal style). "Beast" is definitely a proper title for this vicious animal of an album.
Highligths include the powerful opening track "The Aftermath", "Inner Demons" (the closing minute is absolutely Scorching), the melodeath/deathgrind attack of "Drapeau noir", and the raw hardcore attitude driven "Bad Vibes". The remaining part of the album is also filled with quality material though.
"Beast" is one of those releases that are bound to leave you breathless because of the high level of brutality and aggression on display. It could have been a one-dimensional listen, but the variation between tracks and a clever tracklist selection, ensure that it never happens. Add to that high level musicianship and an incredibly well sounding production job, and you have a high quality release on your hands. "Beast" is overall a great comeback release by Despised Icon and a 4 star (80%) rating is fully deserved.