Review: “Ascension” by Inpathos

Having forged a pair of albums in 2020’s “Divinity” and 2021’s “March Towards a Blackened Sun“, the departure of original vocalist Jordan Siu in late 2022 found Washington state Melodic Death Metal band Inpathos at a crossroads. Refusing to let the dream die and knowing that the position is arguably the hardest to find a suitable replacement for, they took their time and chose Patrick Bradford for the purpose, electing to record an EP to introduce him to their fanbase. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds them, where evergreen forests and snow-capped peaks harmoniously coexist with the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, brothers Adonis (guitar) and Nabil (drums) Reed-Boulos alongside Brendan Brendible (bass) and Anthony Nelson (guitar) once again share their vision…

Seemingly taking inspiration from cinematic pieces like “The Ecstasy Of Gold” by Ennio Morricone, flamenco styled acoustic guitars build into a thunderous Melodic Death Metal tour de force as “Forsaken Shores” finds Inpathos at the height of their powers, demonstrating their prowess with verve and swagger. Not to do Siu a disservice, Bradford sounds like he has brought the band a new found energy as he pays homage to their homeland with a cut in dedication to the raw power of the mighty ocean. The solos are sublime as the band find themselves in similar territory to more recent offerings from Trivium, minus the clean vocals and the mix has been nailed perfectly with a clean and crisp drum sound at its beating black heart. After that six minute magnum opus of a opening cut, “Frostweald” finds the band turning up the intensity for a shorter, faster and more refined tune to help you breathe more easily. A call to a circle pit, it has a couple of clean vocal lines in its chorus that are a nice touch as no energy is lost in their delivery and it has to be said that the harsh uncleans that surround them feel more brutal as a result. Another acoustic moment to close out the piece is spellbinding and a reflection upon what a waste it would have been if the departure of Siu had been the end of the line for this band. Naturally the title track brings the curtain down on this approaching 20 minute affair, a transcendent climb to the majestic peaks of the Cascade Mountains and a metaphor for new hope as the darkness falls away. Rich in 2003 era Metalcore moments in the vein of early As I Lay Dying, the leads add a sense of majesty before an expansive bass driven melody in the mid section takes the limelight. Breaking out of that like an alien bursting from the chest with blasting and bloodcurdling vocals, it feels like Bradford is depicting self immolation, such is the power of the verse he offers. All in all, if this is the shape of punk to come, then all we ask is… please sir, can we have some more? [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Forsaken Shores
2. Frostweald
3. Ascension

“Ascension” by Inpathos is out 1st August 2023 with music and merch available over at bandcamp.