Metalcatto
The shreddiest band in town is back. Alkaloid has never subscribed to the philosophy that less is more. If a song can unleash a barrage of every conceivable riff, why hold back? Yet its latest project, Bach Out of Bounds, showcases the band attempting something notably different—a more academic and classical approach. This is arguably the closest the band has ever come to crafting an acoustic album. I understand how that description might sound dreadful to some, but don’t stop reading, because things are about to get interesting.
Bach Out of Bounds often feels like a spiritual sequel to an album by the criminally underrated project Noneuclid. If you have ever wondered what a Tech Death band would sound like if led by a captivating female vocalist, this is your definitive answer. Despite the utterly mind-blowing musical complexity on display, this ambitious clash of two disparate worlds is executed in a way that doesn’t water down the Metal essence or even the inherent weirdness. There is plenty of that peculiar energy here, too.
A full disclosure is necessary: I have never been a particular fan of Bach’s music, often finding it too clean and safe for my tastes, preferring the tumultuous dramas of Shostakovich or Mahler. However, Alkaloid masterfully captures the spirit of that baroque style and transforms it into something engaging, interesting, and even dangerously compelling. While it is true that many of the tracks here appeared in some form on previous releases, the new arrangements and context make them feel entirely fresh and reimagined.
There are, however, a few crucial things you need to know before wrestling with this giant. First, Bach Out of Bounds is freaking long, which is nothing new for Alkaloid, a band whose albums are the sonic equivalent of 700-page novels. You will need to clear a significant portion of your schedule to properly absorb this work in its entirety. The album offers basically no breaks or atmospheric interludes; it is essentially relentless shred. If you are not a devoted music nerd, you might find surviving this epic saga challenging.
Therefore, while the album might not be filled with exclusively original tracks, Bach Out of Bounds is utterly captivating. It reveals another facet of baroque-inspired Tech-Death—one that does not have to sacrifice the strongest, most extreme elements of either world. Many prominent names in this niche genre have tuned down their complexity in search of broader, more melodic appeal, yet Alkaloid demonstrates that you can succeed by sticking to the intricate, flashy virtuosity that defined you in the first place. This album is a testament to playing with unapologetic perfection, a bold experiment that pays off in spades for the patient and dedicated listener. It is a demanding but rewarding journey that reinforces the band’s unique position at the pinnacle of musical technicality.
Label: Season of Mist
Release date: January 23, 2026
Website: https://alkaloid-band.com/
Country: Germany
Score: 3.8/5.0
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