Metalcatto
Artificial Brain has to be one of the hardest bands to rate out there. Some reviews claim their work is genre-defining, while others dismiss the whole thing as merely average. I’ve always found the band’s music interesting, but it’s true that the heights reached on their debut have yet to be matched. Having said that, I’m willing to accept that the last trilogy wasn’t properly understood by many. So, can Antillia finally give us a clearer picture? Aside from that awful artwork, of course.
There aren’t any radical changes on Antillia. Sure, the band has toned down the Disso-Death elements and ultra-low vocals a bit, but there’s still an underlying sense of orderly chaos. We’re still exploring an alien and hostile planet where even the ground seems determined to devour us. The tracks remain relatively compact and packed with ideas. Artificial Brain isn’t afraid to slow things down, and, as usual, this helps build an atmosphere that very few bands could hope to replicate.
So yes, the enunciation has improved. Gone are the days of lyrics being gargled out of a monkey’s throat. The album also represents another step towards the more melodic side of Artificial Brain. This was already apparent on Infrared Horizon, but the band has made this approach increasingly interesting and elaborate. Don’t worry, though: this is still Tech Death that almost nobody could play live. If anything, the technicality is even more evident now.
Now, here’s the hard part. In principle, everything on Antillia is as twisted and diabolical as you could possibly want. However, perhaps because we’re now so familiar with Artificial Brain‘s style, I feel some of the horror and mystery have disappeared. Labyrinth Constellation was genuinely something that could kill your mother. This new album feels more like she’s already gotten used to your terrible taste in music. So, once again, I find myself at a crossroads, unsure of how to make sense of this monstrosity.
Consistency is a talent, and it’s clear that Artificial Brain have mastered it with Antillia. The changes aren’t particularly radical, but they’re enough to keep us fans interested. Sure, much of what we get here is more of the same impenetrable songwriting that makes the band difficult to get into, but it’s also challenging in all the right ways. Artificial Brain remain one of the greatest puzzles in Death Metal. I know, I’m not exactly making this sound like a fun experience. Unless you’re a weirdo, that is. And you probably are, considering you’re reading this after all.
Label: Profound Lore Records
Release date: November 13th, 2026
Website: the link is absurd
Country: USA
Score: 3.5/5.0
