Album Debut: ‘Null Space’ by Pathogen
‘Null Space’ Cover Artwork. via Pathogen by @antisleepsyndrome
Artist: Pathogen
Genre: Progressive metal/Djent/Groove
Label: Independent
Reviewed Music: ‘Null Space’ (LP, Aug 25th, 2020) 9 Tracks (36 min)
“From the Bind”
“Opaque”
“Pathmaker”
“Dissociate”
“EgoDeath”
“Uncommon Sense”
“R3dux”
“Sovngarde”
“Kekki”
‘Null Space’ Album Stream - Beheading the Traitor
Review of ‘Null Space’ (LP, Aug 25th, 2020) by Pathogen
“…Cut me loose from the bind..” - Excerpt from “From the Bind”
Swirling through the mayhem of gnarly riffs and maniacal gutterals, listeners find themselves aggressively submerged in the maelstrom which ‘Null Space’, the latest LP release by Pathogen, creates. Pathogen, an upcoming Progressive Djent act based out of Bucks County, PA, brings a next level of disruption to the groove metal scene - harnessing the relentless track momentum and brutal screams for their gain - the talent does not go unnoticed.
Breaking into the album, “From the Bind” is absolutely a crushing opener, providing a preview to any wandering ear of what is held further within. The track itself would be nowhere complete without an absolutely disgusting vocal tone from Kenny Stroh, which concludes what easily could have been a sloppy ‘prog riff salad’. Instead, the skills of guitarists, Christian Orlando and Connor Mayeros, finesse the track to become truly a statement piece for the record, and for Pathogen: establishing an self written rule-book which only they can break as the album carries on. “Opaque” is nothing short of a djent fanatic’s wet dream: initially matching the wicked drumbeats of Mark Eder with the dicey opening guitar, the subtleties of this act’s transitions snowball a track from a groovy djent tone, into an atmospheric metal pandemonium. Of course, Stroh, is undoubtedly a staple to each track - ravenously attacking each and every lyrical moment with unmatched vigor.
For first time consumers of Pathogen, the third track, “Pathmaker” - an earlier 2020 single release - channels very similar stylistic moments akin to mainstream metalcore bands such as Currents, and If I Were You. Placed in context of the album, this single is a highlighted respite from the chaotic, technical prowess we’ve witnessed so far, which is probably why this track stands out as much as it does. If you’re looking for a more digestible entry into the band, this track is where to begin.
Although Pathogen ventures through a variety of stylistic adjustments across the album, nothing ever sounds out of place. For instance, “Dissociate” unveils an ignorant, ‘core’ aspect to the band, incessantly beating underlying rhythms into eardrums and “EgoDeath” further teases that aggression with its muted ‘panic chords’ while careening into a deathcore roll. (See also: Dead Vectors and “Insanitycore") Produced a seasoned metal veteran, Aaron Chaparian, Pathogen acquires a boost in both production and aesthetic, as their morphing sound is captured and assembled perfectly across the LP.
Skillful riffs, brooding atmospheric waves, and dissonant progressive tones accent the entirety of this album as “Uncommon Sense” resumes the technicality which Pathogen has quickly laid claim to as their musical staple. The frantic tempo changes and and writhing mutterings through “Uncommon Sense” and “R3dux” breathe life into the late moments of this collection while “Sovngarde” and “Kekki” are must-listens to close.
As layers unfold and tracks progress, the inner workings of this album identify themselves to be refined as any mainstream metal album across the extent of these 9 callous tracks. Latching into the skull and creeping down the spine, Pathogen seeps into the very fibers of your musical being and never leaves - promising a chilling and intricate experience throughout, while back-filling the remnant void of any listener’s ‘Null Space’. - Nic B
FFO: Currents, Blueshift, Dead Vectors, If I Were You