Review: “Coagulating Mirth” by The Atrophic

New voices in Melodic Death Metal maybe common place these days but the debut EP “Coagulating Mirth” from Raleigh North Carolina duo The Atrophic is one that entices before the first note is heard as frontman Sean Irizarry and guitarist Kyle Kuffermann have worked with some special talents to make this happen. Adorned by cover artwork from Vladimir “Smerdulak” Chebakov (Hideous Divinity, God Syndrome, Cannibal Corpse) while produced, mixed and mastered by Hannes Grossmann (Alkaloid, Triptykon, Mother Of All) of Mordor Sounds, the record also finds them joining forces with renowned session drummer Robin Stone (The Amenta, Norse, Inhibitor) as they look to ensnare the feeling of impending calamity-inspired by the threat of societal collapse…

…Adrenaline fuelled without so much as a single sombre or melancholic note, the title track “Coagulating Mirth” takes to flight like a winged Demon, treading the fine lines between the Gothenburg Swedish Melodic Death Metal sound and the American Metalcore one of 2003 while also having time for an almost Jazz inspired melodic moment. From the opening orchestral moments the riffs spew forth in every direction with moments inspired by The Black Dahlia Murder before transitioning into the one that has Rivers Of Nihil written all over it and it makes for a thrilling combination. Part technical, part organic and all The Atrophic, their riffs are earworms that get inside your head and refuse to leave in the best possible way with “Misery’s Grip” also having a face melting solo during its unrelenting rampage through the darkness. Robin Stone’s performances are nothing short of incredible and the band are going to have a serious task at hand to replace him should they wish to take these songs into the live arena, “Vessels for the Oligarchs” in particular having some almighty fills and unstoppable double kicks inked in blood and Death Metal fury. Before it bursts into flames the atmospheric meandering that bring “Horrid Mortal Tendrils” to life is magnificent, its piano part majestic while the melancholic leads make for the perfect contrast to Irizarry’s throat shredding vocals. The record oozes quality of musicianship with the band not afraid to experiment and paint outside of the lines to achieve their vision [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Coagulating Mirth
2. Misery’s Grip
3. Vessels for the Oligarchs
4. Horrid Mortal Tendrils

“Coagulating Mirth” by The Atrophic is out 8th July 2022 and is available for pre-order over at bandcamp