Review: “Dysthymia” by Harvested

In the build up the the release of their debut album “Dysthymia” vocalist Adam Semler explained that all of the lyrics on the record are about mental illness and are heavily inspired by horror and thriller movies or shows as well as things that he’s unfortunately watched a few close friends go through. That statement along with the artwork by CJ Bertram offers a glimpse into the dark psychological landscape of an album recorded over three years by a band who promise an evolution in the sonic formula that made their debut self titled 2022 demo so intriguing. Mixed and mastered by Joe Lyko (Sons of the Nether, Insurrection, Dissentient) of Darkmoon Productions, a multi talented individual also known as Joe Kenyeres and Joe H. Moon as well as the vocalist and guitarist of Sovereign Council, the anticipation is of something both Technical and Old School in its Death Metal brutality from Harvested.

Three years is a long time in anyone’s book so it comes as no surprise that at some point along the line original drummer Jacob Collins, who is also a member of Harmoniaq and Thalassophobia has exited stage left, however it should be noted that the drum tracks on the record are indeed his. In the live arena Nick Rodgers now graces the drum stool and he’s surrounded by bassist Eric Forget, guitarist Mitchi Dimitriadis, vocalist Adam Semler and since 2023 guitarist Vitto Oh. If you think you recognise any of those names you’d be right because they’re all seasoned musicians, both current and former members of bands like A Scar for the Wicked, Harmoniaq, Thalassophobia, Hatred Reigns and Whispers in the Maze to name but a few.

The Canadian Death Metal machine slips into gear with eponymous track “Harvested“, a cut soaked in old school Death Metal influences that lyrically faces the dark realities of mental illness and sonically has an atmosphere to match. As with the discerning listener, the protagonist of the song survives the tortured experience they suffer but wonder what will become of them having had some of their organs… harvested. As a band Harvested have managed to capture their electrifying live energy on tape, the pummelling percussion and bombastic bass creating a backbone for Semler’s caustic, throat shredding performance to cut against the sublime Technical Death Metal riffs. As a the first piece of the puzzle, its a real statement of malicious intent, challenging the listener to dare to continue with the rest of the album. If you do, you’ll be bludgeoned to death by the rapid fire “Repressed Neurosis“, a cut that that hits harder than a burst from a Gatling gun strapped to a helicopter. The neck snapping pace and relentless aggression is a joy to behold, staccato riff breaks and blood curdling screams creating the kind of grand finale other bands would kill for. The intensity levels remain sickeningly high with “Unending Madness“, another vicious little ditty from a poison pen that will crack a smile with a few moments of pomp and circumstance in the guitars. Seamlessly cutting back to their more traditional approach with weighty crush we then get the first solo of the record, a blistering piece of technical work that shines like gold in dim light.

After knocking the first three tracks out of the park like a home run into the stratosphere, “Synaptic Confusion” goes harder and faster during an opening onslaught second to none before getting menacing and sinister with a slower churn and burn. A violent delight with a catchy hook and a scream-a-long lyrical narrative in the chorus, its the kind of blunt force trauma that everyone can enjoy without a visit to the hospital. Maintaining the quality levels of both musicianship and song writing throughout the record seems like an impossibility of reason and yet its probably why this record took three years to complete because “Designed Dilemma” is another absolute beast. It’s like the band have taken your favourite Death Groove Thrash cut and adrenalized it by mainlining caffeine until their eyes pop out on stalks. The energy levels are as ridiculous as the poise and precision as the band conjure a Technical Death Metal tune of the highest order. Then come the squeals as the fretboards smoulder with the blistering “Gathered and Deluded“, a cut with a shriller opening line from Semler before he returns to his usual death growls. This one hits like a waking nightmare, a falling dream suffered by someone who has the ultimate fear of heights. The rampaging guitars and thunderous percussion reach jaw dropping levels and will no doubt incite mosh pit violence and circle pits when the band perform it live.

The pomp and circumstance resurfaces with the rise and fall of the guitars in the opening passage of “Voices of the Void” before getting violently turbulent with groove laden riffage performed at breakneck speed. A headbangers delight this one is a demonic call from the black depths, commanding you to give in to your black thoughts and as your inner voice screams, leaning in the same direction and bands like Archspire. If this record was a metaphorical ice cold pint of beer on a scorching hot summers day then “Unanchored” is a shot of whiskey dropped into it that we call a depth charger. Staccato riff breaks hit with the force of punch combinations from a prize fighter, allowing the cranium smashing drums to send skull fragments through the gaps. Harvested aren’t just a Death Metal band, they’re an unstoppable force of nature who just might tear a hole in the fabric of the space time continuum on this evidence, the sublime technical solo in this one its crowning glory. Attacking with wave after tidal wave of venomous riffs “The Infestation” threatens to capsize the ship with its malicious intent. As Semler barks “Onwards to oblivion!” you just can’t help but think about the downfall of mankind as the world burns, the interplay of the guitars an surgical precision of the drums creating the kind of excitement only a child gets on Christmas Eve. A stunning piece of work, its safe to say this album now sets a standard not only for Harvested but for Technical Death Metal bands in general to attain with its scorching performance levels, song writing and lyricism [9.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Harvested
2. Repressed Neurosis
3. Unending Madness
4. Synaptic Confusion
5. Designed Dilemma
6. Gathered and Deluded
7. Voices of the Void
8. Unanchored
9. The Infestation

“Dysthymia” by Harvested is out 1st August and is available over at bandcamp