Album Review: Sovereign – Altered Realities (Dark Descent Records)

Carl Fisher 2 min read

Formed in Oslo in 2018 AD, brutal death and thrash band Sovereign have three releases under their belts: Iron Cast (single 2018), Sovereign (demo, 2019), and Neurotic (EP, 2020). Now, on January 19th and released via Dark Descent Records, the time has finally come to complete the set with debut album Altered Realities.

Sovereign’s combination of death and thrash metal is the stuff that makes the hair on the body stand up straight. Where track after track crashes over the mind with all the force of a tsunami. This album might only have seven tracks to offer, but each is hefty beyond measure. With Sovereign balancing both sides of their sound, throwing in some grim riff work and show-stealing guitar solos to boot.

Starting with the dark and evil grandiosity of Altered Reality’s atmosphere, a track that descends into a hellscape of heaviness. This is Sovereign setting out exactly who they are and what they are capable of doing. Which just happens to be making a racket, measured and pointed, but with an underlying chaos that makes Futile Dreams and Nebular Waves remarkably harsh sounding.

Although a punishing sound is par for the course and even the more elaborate efforts like Counter Tech and The Enigma of Intelligence take a toll on the psyche. Sovereign have pushed hard to make sure this album is the epitome of layered heavy, and constantly put the guitar front and centre with some meandering solos. It’s not always the most exciting parts of the music, but they are impressive.

After one more substantial and horrible blast of speedy heaviness, it’s time for Sovereign to really show off as they deliver a 10+ minute finale called Absence of Unity. Taking the listener to dark places, adding disturbing atmosphere, causing unmitigated carnage, and leaving every listener with a grimace on their face.

Sovereign have a set high bar for heaviness that simply doesn’t let up. If you like your death and thrash to leave a mark, then Altered Realities will give you exactly what you want.

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Sovereign – Altered Realities Track Listing:

1. Altered Reality
2. Futile Dreams
3. Nebular Waves
4. Counter Tech
5. The Enigma of Intelligence
6. Synthetic Life
7. Absence of Unity




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Sovereign - Altered Realities (Dark Descent Records)
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