Despite how bountiful it can be, the world of post-metal continues to be one of the few styles in the vast spectrum that metal encompasses that I still struggle to properly fall into at times. It tends to be from bigger names that I can lose myself in given the wild talent that obviously led to them becoming big in the first place, but I am well aware that I need to find more time to explore what the style has to offer overall. Tonight, I did just say, and what I came back to the surface with is far from what I was expecting to find and much of what I was hoping to.

Already having a number of releases under their belt, I find it quite frustrating that I haven’t heard of Death Engine before tonight, for if what they’ve brought to the table before is even a shadow of what’s been crafted to make their latest effort of “Ocean” such an undeniable powerhouse then I wonder why people aren’t talking about this band. Far from a creation that pushes the boundaries of what post-metal has done up to this point, I find it nigh on impossible to look upon the seven tracks of “Ocean” and not feel as though Death Engine has achieved victory at every turn during the creation of this album. Not afraid to bring an unmistakable influence of hardcore tendencies into the mix, this is an album that is passionate, forward in its messages, and downright powerful. It knows when to pull back for maximum effect to really show the listener the dynamic range of scale that Death Engine has a tremendous understanding of with it being but the flip of a switch before we’re back in a whirlwind of energy and power the likes of which only those who have been immersed in the world of hardcore are able to deliver in such exquisite detail. “Ocean” makes such a combination work almost too well as Death Engine makes it clear from the very beginning that they’re masters of their sound with the power and domination that’s heard all throughout this record nothing short of an unequivocal triumph in every category.

Works like this are what keep people coming back. I’ve no doubt that Death Engine has made for some interesting works before this, but it has got to be with “Ocean” that the flood gates open when it comes to Death Engine’s fanbase for everything that’s needed for a cult following and immense adoration can be found at every turn here. Every facet of this record is what greatness is born from, and I’ve little doubt that “Ocean” will be the last we hear from this French act.

LISTEN to “Ocean” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Death Engine on Facebook here.