Defiled's latest album, Altered State, marks a significant shift in the Japanese death metal quartet's sound. While their earlier works were characterized by chaotic, boundary-pushing experimentation, Altered State showcases a more controlled and refined approach. This evolution is evident in the album's structure, which, despite its grindcore-leaning foundation, occasionally veers into more familiar thrash and death metal territories. The album's production quality has also improved, adding warmth and body to the music, which enhances the overall listening experience.
One of the most notable aspects of Altered State is its ability to balance the band's signature wackiness with a more focused and catchy sound. The album's first seven tracks are particularly engaging, with pit-igniting riffs and rhythmic changes that nod toward Sepultura's classic era. However, as the album progresses, the feeling of fatigue begins to creep in, as many songs follow similar patterns. Fortunately, cuts like 'The Ultra Death' and 'Metamorphosis of Evil' help break this spell, injecting a welcome dose of Human-era Death into the mix.
Vocally, the album showcases a solid, deathly growl with a dusting of groove metal grit that sticks with Defiled's usual approach. While the phrasing remains predictable, the instrumentation around it shifts and mutates, serving more as a functional piece than a standout characteristic. The bass excursions, though revived, are still buried under bad production, which is a shame given their potential to add depth and groove to the music.
In conclusion, Altered State is a welcome step in the right direction for Defiled. While it may not be their most groundbreaking work, it is undoubtedly entertaining and showcases the band's ability to balance their signature wackiness with a more focused and catchy sound. Personally, I think that Altered State is a strong return to form for the band, and I look forward to seeing where they go from here.
