Metalcatto
You know what we haven’t done in a while? Reviewed something kind of techy. So why not review a super underground act like The Absolution Sequence? Sure, the name sounds like something else—as in Goth or MeloDeath—but Dread Cycle should deliver all those complicated riffs you want, right? One can have expectations when the musicians shred more, or so I hope.
Sick riffs left and right—yay. I’m happy to say that if you just want an album that focuses on tight and solid musicianship, then Dread Cycle is a hidden work you should pay attention to. Sure, the vocals and the breakdowns approach Core territory, but it’s done with some degree of elegance. I didn’t feel any cringe, so this can’t be too Deathcore, right? Or maybe that’s what I tell myself to not lose all my self-respect. The riffs are intricate without being wanky, the transitions are smooth, and the whole thing feels like a well-oiled machine that still has room for emotion.
It’s been a while since I highlighted some drumming, and I think the one in Dread Cycle achieves both supporting the chaos and standing out when it has to. In a way, it becomes impossible for me not to compare this band to Rivers of Nihil. Yes, this is the most Rivers I’ve heard another band ever being. So expect great, even noisy, production. Just don’t expect a sax or so much instrumental wanking here. If anything, The Absolution Sequence simplifies the journey, making it more accessible without losing the technical edge.
How about things that suck? First of all, nothing really sucks here. Everyone is sweating and bleeding to give good work. That I can tell right away. However, I would be interested in the band taking a wilder, more experimental, or proggy approach. As it stands right now, things feel rather restrained. The potential is clearly there, but it seems like the band is holding back just a little. Also, if you’re not into super clean production, you’ll hate this with passion. The mix is polished to the point where every note is crystal clear, which can be a turn-off for those who prefer a rawer, more organic sound.
Yes, I was surprised, and yes, I still wanted more. So The Absolution Sequence is an act to keep your eye on in the future. There’s a lot of potential here, and I can’t wait to see what the band does next. Sure, sometimes I wonder how much of it was too influenced by other bands, but fortunately, I’m into all of those influences, so these guys are safe. Yet the music does anything but make you feel that way, which is exactly what you want, right?
Label: Independent
Release date: August 14th, 2026
Website: https://primitivereaction.bandcamp.com/
Country: Australia
Score: 4.0/5.0
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