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“Allegory” is a technical and heavy hybrid of thrash, progressive, and death metal, with a little core influence. The variation in styles shows similar traits from a host of bands like Slayer, Strapping Young Lad, Candiria, Pantera, Shadows Fall, Death, etc…just to name a handful. Divinity does have a distinctive combination of sounds, but sounds somewhat familiar from element to element.
The music on “Allegory” stays aggressive for the most part with a few variations of pace during the more melodic moments. Favorable powerful riffs on this eclectic album include Swedish death, Slayer like riffs, and technical progressive riffs. A nicely used element is the crazy yet passionate solos. A little more than the norm, and you can hear traits from their different styles within the solos. Drums work well with all ingredients on “Allegory” giving the disc added punch and good pacing. Clean vocals, yelling vocals, melodic and gutteral death vocals, once again stylistically they are all over the board keeping their sound fresh.
Divinity’s diversity throughout the songs and album can be quite an assortment of sounds. As previously mentioned the music keeps vibrant, but almost too much at times which results in a lack of flow. They have talent, especially for a band on a debut. I just think they jump around a little too much, it can make them seems unorganized a bit.
Tue Madsen mixed and mastered “Allegory.” He’s worked with a host of bands including The Haunted, Dark Tranquillity, Aborted, Moonspell and many more. A proficient job. Mattias Noren did the album’s artwork. You may have seen his other work grace the covers of Into Eternity and Evergrey discs.
If you are up for something new, with lots of variety you will want to check out Divinity’s “Allegory.” For fans of Into Eternity, Strapping Young Lad, and Soilwork.
Rating: 80
Reviewed By: Jeffrey D. Adkins