This is an instance where I actually bit off far less than I can chew. Damn it, I was really looking forward to a new full-length from Xenobiotic after really enjoying 2020s Mordrake and my body was FUCKING READY. Apparently Xenobiotic weren’t and that’s kind of a problem.

Anyway, this little teaser, presumably before their next full length, is Xenobiotic in the form of giving you a beatdown. For someone who is a fan of their more expansive tracks, I’ll admit that’s a little disappointing.

What isn’t disappointing, however, is the way this EP sounds. It’s certainly a little sterile in production, in that it lacks some dynamics, but I can still hear everything well.

With its repeated refrain of “I’m looking at a future of a world that no one loves,” track 2, “The Wretched Strive,” sounds a lot to me like Becoming the Archetype, where they use these lyrics multiple times, yet they just sound more pummeling and vicious with each repetition.

Moving a little forward, “Pathos,” which is the 4^th track, has quite a bass presence, and it’s also the longest track at 6 ½ minutes. Even though there are only 5 tracks, this one might be the best. The lead section at around 2 minutes in has that relaxed Cynic vibe going for it despite the chaos and viciousness surrounding it.

The last track, “Sever the Ties,” reminds me of “A Bid Farewell” by Killswitch Engage, but literally only because of the title. Otherwise, it has a bit of a djent groove in the verses. This song has some atmospheric touches near the end, but only briefly, which showcases of what this band is capable, even in small doses.

Honestly, I wanted more from this. I don’t mean that the songs here are lacking because that is not the case. I mean, literally, I want more. More music. In a world where labelmates Exocrine have likely released my favorite tech death album this year, I simply want MORE. In other words, I don’t know if this is going to sate me until the next full length, so I share sentiments with the last word shouted at the end of the album; “FUCK!”

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