Review: “Waste Where Life Begins” by Apogean

Rising to prominence in 2021 with debut EP “Into Madness” Toronto Ontario Canadian Technical Death Metal force Apogean have been ones to watch ever since, transcending traditional realms with incredible clarity of vision. Expanding their horizons with their debut album “Cyberstrictive” in 2024, they found inspiration from Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 and George Orwell’s 1984, warning of the dangers the future may bring with advances in technology. That record was so well received that their sophomore album “Waste Where Life Begins” feels like a long awaited, highly anticipated one less than eighteen months on. Mixed and mastered by Zack Ohren (Machine Head, Fallujah, Warbringer) the promise is of a reflection on the futility of human existence as well as the vicious circle of life…

An awe inspiring opening cut of menacing and sinister proportions rears its ugly head in “Daughter of the Oak“, the blackened edges, bursts of blast beats and neck snapping grooves setting the tone. Mac Smith’s vocals are both fierce and intelligent, his lyrical capturing the imagination from the word go and it has to be said that the weight of the crush mirrors the depth he provides perfectly. If the opening cut was a warning, the title track “Waste Where Life Begins” offers poison, noose or knife as a sense of tension bubbles like a witches cauldron. It’s almost like an insight into the mind of a wrathful God, seeing what humanity has done with the freewill it has been gifted and wondering if it can be taken back. Sonically the band have taken a half step back on some of the technical aspects, instead concentrating on a punishing, oppressive atmospheric darkness that works incredibly well.

While half the songs have been embellished with violin and choirs from Laura Bates there are also cuts like “Lie in Cinder” which have moments that could have had that cinematic edge but strangely the band have passed up the opportunity. A bone snapping mid-tempo crusher with just a hint of Obscura influence and a spellbinding solo, this one instead climbs from the grave in more brutal fashion and is just as rewarding. Doug Noel has been building a reputation as an incredible drummer and his performances impress throughout the album but perhaps more notably on “White Trees, Black Leaves” where the tempo shifts are slick and the almost tribal patterns delight.

A tribute to longtime friend and musical peer Joshua Ward (Voraath and Raphumet’s Well) who was a drum tech for George Kollias of Nile for many years “Nassaru” features a posthumous lyrical contribution. As a track, it’s another vicious little ditty with glorious technical flourishes in the riff department, the spoken word moments and keys sending a shiver down the spine. In the mix the emphasis has been placed on the guitar work so the keys lurk in the shadows rather than overpowering and that helps give the cut a dark horror film vibe.

The award of the longest song title goes to “Hologram (Singing Silently on an Empty Stage)” and a little whammy bar action early on captures the mood perfectly. Inflicting damage on the cranium with complex rhythms that are technically impressive but don’t enter the realm of the virtuoso makes for a rewarding listen before the occult interlude of “Ritual” provides a moment of respite.

As grand finales go the seven minute approaching “Black Smoke, Bleeding Earth” with its sweeping leads and dry throated raspy vocals is a malevolent creation of the highest order. Thunderous percussive battery and surgical riffs fade for a mournful mid section of violins before the tide rises once more, the ending more sombre than explosive but it has to be said the flow is masterful. In a world of perpetual darkness, Apogean continue to be a guiding light that reminds just how soul stirring Technical Death Metal can be [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Daughter of the Oak
2. Waste Where Life Begins
3. Lie in Cinder
4. White Trees, Black Leaves
5. Nassaru
6. Hologram (Singing Silently on an Empty Stage)
7. Ritual
8. Black Smoke, Bleeding Earth

“Waste Where Life Begins” by Apogean is out 10th July 2026 via The Artisan Era and is available over at bandcamp.