Pathology is a current staple in the US metal scene, and they're known (among other things) for their constantly revolving door of musicians, headed by the only consistent member, Dave Astor. They're also known for putting out an album on a yearly basis, with this year being no different (obviously). Now I may be slightly biased when it comes to this band, I am a fan of every album they've put out, including the oddly dull 2012 album, so please keep that in mind.
I was very interested in this album, especially with the reforming of what i consider to be their best line-up with the return of their guitarist Tim and the brutal death metal legend Matti Way on vocals. White Johnathan Huburt wasn't a bad vocalist by any means he just does not hold a candle to the sheer power and control that Matti has become well known for. Sadly however, this seems to be the last album featuring lead guitarist Kevin Schwarts (may the schwarts be with you) which is a real shame because Kevin has added in a few very memorable solos throughout this album, as well as the last two.
Now, as for the music itself Pathology play a fairly down to earth variation of brutal death metal with some rather intense slam sections, gone are the borderline deathcore-esque breakdowns that can be found on their Victory Records albums (with a few exceptions, of course) and we see a return of legitimate slam riffs! The riffs themselves will range from some really catchy chugging sections to faster tremolo picked segments and even features some pseudo tech death noodling (Code Injection, Reign From Above) and a few really cool sounding dissonant riffs (noted on Ascending Below, Autumn Cryptique and Mountain Of The Dead), which is think is a rather well forged mixture of riffing variations myself.
The drumming is even heavier than expected with Dave Astor playing a mixture of constant double bass, some incredibly powerful blastbeats, some slower slamming segments and a few Slayer like thrash rythmns (most notable on Among Skinwalkers, Code Injection and the title track). Dave has lost absolutely none of his drumming prowess and is still a fantastic element to the band, even if his drum fills seem slightly more restrained and minimal on this release. AND THEN THERE ARE THE VOCALS. Matti Way truly shines with the production here, he's brutal and gargled as all fuck while at the same time reserving a certain finesse to his wording. The lyrics have become fairly cryptic, especially from Brutal Death Metal standards. I do find it to be pretty awesome that Matti Way has been able to subtly change his vocal style just enough so that his vocals become borderline understandable, without relinquishing any of his well honed brutality.
Speaking of production, let me go off on a brief tangent here. The production on this album is the only real flaw I can find, there is literally no bass. No matter how hard you listen you won't be able to find one. I don't know if they legitimately decided against using a bass guitar for the recording or if it's just so low in the mix that it blends in with the crunch of the guitars, it's a curse of brutal death metal, but happens often enough to where it's not a real major disappointment (although i do miss Diego Sanchez's groovy basslines). The production is quite a bit more raw than any of the three Victory Records albums, with the guitar being very clearly heard yet still with a somewhat unique brutal crunch to them, The drums are perfectly in the mix, not overbearing but able to be heard just as clearly as any of the other instruments. My other issue with the mix is that the vocals are a bit too high in the mix. Don't get me wrong, i'm a huge Matti Way fan and I love his vocal style, but there a few times where the vocals are so loud in the mix that it really does drown out the guitars, which can be a pain in the ass at times but not overall detrimental because it only really becomes a problem in a few short segments throughout the album.
All in all I have to say that Pathology really set out to make a brutal payload of an album, and they've succeeded! While there are a few minor problems lurking around, this is a fair step up from the unoriginal contract filler that was their 2012 album. Also, I want to go on record as saying that the re-recorded version of Code Injection ( originally off 2010's Legacy Of Ancients) Is FAR heavier this time around then on the original release, although i did initally think that it was a bit ridiculous to re-record a 3 year old song, they certainly pull it off. Pathology have put out another badass album, continued their legacy, turn new corners (like the almost industrial sound loop in the beginning of Mountain of The Dead), and refine their brutal art all while not losing touch of their original sound or coming off as a rip-off of their older material. For this alone I recommend buying this album and supporting these guys!