Since regression is a return to a former or less developed state, one will doubtless see the new Theories album in a matter of two lights: one being the sound they relentlessly pursue; making aggressive, reckless death grind on a purely primitive level. And yet on another but contrary notion: a band that is playing the genre without amateur sensibilities.
Regression is Theories debut album on metal blade. The Seattle, WA unit began their sonic assault in 2011 and have since toured the Maryland Deathfest Chaos in Tejas and Southwest Terror Fest. Theroies hasn't been clocking in release after release but by the looks of it, they aim to make 2015 weep blood by finally going full throttle and showing us what they're capable of.
It's difficult to call Regression anything but one of the most aggressive albums put to speakers so far this year. The moment the album boots up the band brings its game in spades and fire, painting the soundscapes with unrest, disruption and heedless violence. Theories are a death/grind band that take the intensity of the genres and pour petrol over everything. The opening track “Burnt Concrete” only starts the show, kicking in with smoothly blending death metal and even some punchy hardcore/punk sensibilities.
That's just the taste of things to come though. Theories opens up the grasp and intensity of their sound only more from there. The caustic, sweltering follow up “Cycle of Decay” continues to mercilessly beat on the listener with heavy growling spats and sharp screams of Rick Powell (main vocalist), Kush Karimi (also bass) and Lee McGlothlen (also guitar). It's also about here that you may begin to notice the utterly insane musicianship if you hadn't already. Theories don't just craft good tunes, they craft technical insanity. This is especially prominent in the bestial drumming of Joe Axler, who sounds like he could go toe to toe with Adam Jarvis.
One might wonder what makes Theories such a stand out from other bands that approach the death/grind genre(s). It boils down to the way Theories compose their songs and the little tidbits that they throw in that give their songs a signature-like quality. Where Theories go so damn right is that, despite playing to the genre, they never actually adhere to many traditional songwriting tactics. There's seldom a predictable blast or breakdown and the way the band riffs blows most bands straight out of the water. They're not predictable clockwork. A thrashier part can suddenly and easily become encompassed by a blast, and rather than have the whole band shift with it, the guitar will simply hold its ground (see: “First World's Last Breath”). Other parts might have a few extra licks thrown in or a drum section that throws things in another direction. It makes the band exciting to listen to.
For a debut album, Regression is a honed, utterly off the wall experience that is a blast to listen to from both a technical standpoint, and one that's just looking to rage. Those into death metal or grindcore will find Theories much akin to bands like Misery Index, Cattle Decapitation and Pig Destroyer. Even the more recent Fulgora project would be a good comparison for sound. Not to mention the album was excellently mixed by Scott Hull at Visceral Sound. Those that need a good slice of death/grind should turn their ears towards Regression and prepare for savage and belligerent tunes.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lafolQkQ7J0[/youtube]
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