Album Review: Aeffect – Theory of Mind (Self Released)

Formed in the United Kingdom, Aeffect (Mark Broster – ex-Sarpanitum and Mike Pitman – ex-Xerath), create a visceral musical concept based on the nature and consequence of human inadequacy. Aeffect confidently blend primal with progressive and will release their debut album, Theory of Mind on June 2nd, 2023.

Welcome to the Aeffect mentality, it’s one made up of abrasive, raw, and layered heavy death metal. Featuring eight tracks; eight examples of their visceral savagery, eight progressive wanders through the creative mind of this band, and eight reasons to bang your f**king head.

A long-winded, but thrilling intro, leads to a brutish and manic level of death metal with the opening track, Patronage. Aeffect setting the bar high as the guitars suddenly get more jagged and this band really start to stretch their technical muscles. As far as introductions go, it’s an impressive one. Although it is very much the start and Aeffect push a darker, more atmospheric, but undeniably brutal sound with the following Retraction.

It’s guttural horror but the kind that you just find fascinating. Aeffect continue to subvert expectations with Emergent Behaviour and Leading to Decay. A pair of lengthy tracks that combine unforgiving ferociousness with engaging progressive creativity. Hectic, horrible, and harsh, yet exceptionally likeable because of how layered both tracks are. Don’t be too surprised when moments of melody sneak their way in, it’s the Aeffect way.

One of the more impressive things about the overall album, and notable in the title track, is how the primal sound of Aeffect is so carefully created. It’s no accident that this album and the instruments on it, which sound like the soul-sucking horror of darker times, are so clear. Necessary too, when they’re going to be throwing out wild and wicked efforts like Manifest and Acceptance.

Then, just like that, which is a great sign, the album is over. Aeffect going out with a thumping, garish, and nasty bang on Dematerialise. A big ending but par for the course on an album that has big tracks throughout.

Aeffect – Theory of Mind Track Listing:

1. Patronage
2. Retraction
3. Emergent Behaviour
4. Leading to Decay
5. Theory of Mind
6. Manifest
7. Acceptance
8. Dematerialise

Links

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