In recent times, you would truly have to go out of your way in order to miss the explosion of technical death metal that has taken place throughout the last decade. It’s led to some of the craziest and most impressive displays of musical prowess that metal has ever seen with the bar constantly being reset by some new band that manages to come around and accomplish a record that is nothing short of jaw-dropping. There are several names that can be thrown around when we consider who’s at the very top of all that the style is capable of with one constant surely being Arkaik. Since their debut when the style was still quite small and deep underground, Arkaik was a name to know and respect. Now, with their first album in five years, they’re back to show us why they’re still a name to revere and never once underestimate.

To look at a band like this and even tempt the idea of them falling off in quality would be considered outright blasphemy for all that the name has done for the genre since its inception and the sheer number of newer acts that they’ve gone on to influence and inspire who’re all keeping the flames going ever so brightly, but the devil of doubt still remains in the back of the mind, constantly nagging. Five years is a long time for that to fester and grow, but it is the first few minutes of what’s brought forth with “Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts” that any doubts of that sort should instantly dissipate. This may very well be the absolute peak of what the whole world of technical death metal may be able to bring forth during this year even despite the wild talent that’s around every corner, but it’s every given minute of all that Arkaik brings to the table for this effort that one simply cannot help but become overwhelmed by the raw power, talent, and aptitude that’s on display at any given time during these 47 minutes of utter mastery. The very definition of a jaw-dropping performance, the very essence of “Labryinth of Hungry Ghosts” is what can only be considered genre-defining for all that it manages to accomplish, and it’s only fitting that a staple band that’s as essential and ferocious as Arkaik would be the ones to deliver what will more than likely be the highlight of the genre this year.

After all, when you’re gone for five years only to return what feels like out of nowhere, how else can you return other than showing everyone why you’re one of the names to know and never once be underestimated? In no small way, it’s everything brought forth within “Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts” that mows down all in its path whilst leaving its followers in no less than absolute bewilderment for all that it dealt out. A true masterstroke right from the beginning, Arkaik still reigns supreme and virtually unchallenged.

LISTEN to “Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Arkaik on Facebook here.