Allegaeon are a new addition to my music rotation, however I don’t think new album The Ossuary Lens will be the last time they make it to one of my playlists.

Album title The Ossuary Lens is thought provoking itself. Ossuary – “a container or room in which the bones of the dead people are placed” the Lens aspect being point of view. The album does not come across as a concept album, but it does explore the theme of death and mortality from different points of view.

This is technical death metal at its finest. The guitarwork throughout is incredible: chunky riffs, blistering solos but also calmer moments inspired by Spanish flamenco guitar. This all blends seamlessly across the album. The best example being on my favourite standout track from the album – Dark Matter Dynamics. This song starts with calm acoustic riffs that transforms into distorted tech death, before the harsh vocals come in with their science influenced lyrics. The flamenco makes a return later in the track to give respite from the technical chaos.

The rest of the musical elements complement this well. Pounding drums mesh well with what the guitar is doing. The bass gets moments to shine too and is not lost in the mix, but this is a technical guitar lovers dream more than anything. But repeat listens will having you picking out new things.

Vocally the album offers a range you wouldn’t normally expect from the genre – it’s not all harsh vocals. That is still the predominant style present, but clean vocals are also added to the mix, which offers a great dynamic not often heard in the genre. Combined with the flamenco guitar the band make for a unique experience in the genre.

The structure of the album feels a little odd however, or at least the end of the album. It feels like it builds towards penultimate song Wake Circling Above which has a great mix of all the great elements of the album. The clean vocals present being a particular highlight. The track itself building towards what feels like a grand crescendo, to then still get one more track in actual album closer Scythe.

Overall an album that burns through its tracks in it’s 45 minute run time. Another album that to me stands out from the pack. I personally look forward to delving into their prior studio releases until their next release.

Top tracks: Dark Matter Dynamics, Dies Irea, Imperial