Artist: Divinity
Title: Singularity
Type: Album
Label: Candlelight

Not to be confused with the now defunct Canadian Black Metal band Divinity, these Canadians appear to have been around for a while having formed in 1999 and already have a debut album release in the bag. Roll onto 2010 and Divinity definitely have a hybrid sound of fellow countrymen SYL, Americans Nevermore (the prog element) and Fear Factory. Yes, a surprising mix, one that comes to me simply because of the mechanised sound of the bass drums – triggers perhaps? But in any case, the album is a blasting piece of industrialised death metal. The vocal style of Sean Jenkins flips between all those bands mentioned previously, whilst battering the microphone PA with rasps and harmonies that are good for the pallet.

As for ‘Singularity’, just like their debut album, initially self-released, this now has the major label treatment. Not a bad thing, I just wonder if the ship has sailed already with this style, but then with current buzz of reunions one assumes that this sound will continue to grow. That aside musically, you cannot fault this release. Every track is a battering example of Canadian genius, strong vocal performances mixed with massive guitar technical ability (similar to Braindrill) filled in here and there. The main emphasis is the groove and power of the full band arrangement. Even the lighter moments on the album cannot contain your excitement or listening pleasure, Divinity certainly know how to keep your attention. A perfect example of this is ‘Beg to Consume’, the blistering speed of the guitar riffs and the general we will kill you battering groove, there is a storm-a-coming. Latter day Pantera features in ‘Transformation’, not a bad thing, but then it’s that little bit more brutal that that band, many SYL elements come into the track also. ‘Embrace the Uncertain’ gets a little Trivium, I shit you not, but this is good shit, there is a combination of sounds and ideas that produce great arrangements and one hell of a heavy album. This is a surprise release, and worth picking up.

http://www.myspace.com/divinitymetal
http://www.candlelightrecords.co.uk

Paul Maddison

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