Guitarist/Vocalist Tim Rowland’s Alchemy of Flesh album returns with By Will Alone.   A big change in terms of sound on this record is that he strictly uses six-string guitars tuned to D Standard.   The last album was a bit of a tribute to Morbid Angel, and it was noted that Rowland was trying to use the same rig setup as Trey Azagthoth.

Things get turned up to eleven right away with “Meteor Hammer”.  The one thing I notice is that this song reminds me a lot of Monstrosity’s In Dark Purity (“Destroying Divinity” specifically) That is fitting as Rowland is wearing a Monstrosity shirt in his promo photo.  The guitars sound way up in front and the bevy of minor and major third harmonies have a Tampa Sound to it.  Not that is a knock in any way.  Hard not to headbang to this.

“Other Eden” opens with some jagging augmented chords ala Erik Rutan (Hate Eternal).  It then mixes up a bit to harmonized octaves.  I really like the triplet parts towards the middle of the song.  A nice arpeggio section with some tremolo bar dives makes for a cool groove section before going back into chugged triplets with harmonies.  “Earth Dragon Totality” is one of the most aggressive tracks on the album.  It’s cool hearing a new album from Rowland.  I hope he keeps trying to diversify the catalog with different types of approaches.  “Labyrinthe Fortress” opens with some sick pick rake grooves.

“An Erratic Existence” is another fantastic track.  I wonder how long it took to track the guitars on as the harmonies sound lined up perfectly throughout the entire album.  “Unmaker” is the shortest track and of the tracks on here has a tinge of Angel Corpse to it.

“Immuration” continues along the lines of most of By Will Alone.  Killer grooves and harmonies.  The album finishes up with “Origin of Suffering” which has a bit of Morbid Angel Covenant feel to it. If you enjoyed Alchemy of Flesh’s debut Ageless Abominations, then you should check this one out.   Fantastic find by Redefining Darkness Records.  I look forward to the next album by Tim Rowland.

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