Dissentient - Labyrinth

The third release from Dissentient is technical, broad, complicated and beautiful. And this record is HEAVY. If this current collection is representative of their past work I have been seriously missing out. This record scratches so many musical itches for me it’s been on repeat the past few days. If King Crimson, Vildjharta, The Dali Thundering Concept, Yes and The Contortionist had an orgy that resulted in a baby, Dissentient would be that baby’s badass best friend.

Phill Campbell’s death growl vocals give way to occasional clean melodic singing. Campbell is a busy man in Dissentient, covering vocal duties as well as guitar and synths. Campbell’s guitar work is is superbly dialed in and helps to create at complex layers and percussive elements at some points, and at other times paint beautifully melodic landscapes. Manfred Nowlan’s drums parts are loaded with great writing and are super powerful. Dale Sauve’s bass work isn’t particularly out-front in the mix on many of the tracks, but the low end is anything but lost in the thick, creamy production. And when Dale’s bass does present itself in the mix, it’s mean and perfect.

Dissentient seems to me to be the modern day, progressive death metal version of old school, classic prog rock. The sweeping, epic panoramas lead to crushing, guttural, technical riffage only to kick out to almost Pink Floydian wonderland vibes. Listen to The Labyrinth into the album closing Throes Of Creation to be taken on a serious, serious journey through all kinds of different points in time and space.

I’m exceedingly confident that this record will be a mainstay for a good long while for me. I HIGHLY recommend this album for those into progressive, technical, super heavy music. I’m super excited to have come across this album and band and will absolutely be checking out more and following their musical journey. I suggest you put on your battle gear and come along with me.

Score - 9 out of 10. One of my favorite finds of 2023.

- John