Fleshgod Apocalypse - Oracles (2009)

With their debut album Oracles, Italians Fleshgod Apocalypse present a combination of technical death metal interspersed with classical influences. These usually take the form of orchestral/piano passages at the start and end of the songs. Two examples of this are in “As Tyrants Fall” and “Embodied Deception”. The latter features a rapid piano run which is abruptly interrupted by the guitar intro riff. Wheras the former features a orchestral passage akin to something heard in “Swan Lake”. There are a number of other similar parts in other tracks which follow the same style, but most notable of all is the album’s title track, which is a two and a half minute piano piece which closes the album. The track highlights exactly what the band are trying to achieve. Personally, I think these elements are well used and help to add some diversity to the album and serve as a mood setter for the track, or to capture the mood at the end of the track. However some may feel that they are forced and just tacked on to provide something new. 

Sputnikmusic.com said that Overall Fleshgod Apocalypse have produced a solid debut with Oracles. The album proves that the fusion of tech death and classical pieces can work well, and that technical death can still produce decent bands. The definite highlights of the album are the guitar work and the classical sections, however I would like to see the band experiment more with fusing the two styles and possibly with adding some vocal variation.

Oracles is a solid debut and building point for the Fleshgod Apocalypse. The album will please most tech death and standard death fans. With enough variety to keep them interested for the full 40 minutes, as well as containing enough nuances and memorable parts to warrant decent replay value.

Tracks

1. In Honour of Reason
2. Post-Enlightenment Executor
3. As Tyrants Falls
4. Sophistic Demise
5. Requeim in SI Minore
6. At the Guillotine
7. Embodied Deception
8. Infection of the White Throne
9. Retrieving my Carcass
10. Oracles

Recommended Tracks :

1. As Tyrants Fall
2. Embodied Deception
3. Oracles
4. Retrieving My Carcass
5. In Honour of Reason

If you like it, please buy it on their official website/merchandise.
Fleshgod Apocalypse - Oracles (2009)

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