Album Review: Apocryphal – Facing The End (The Circle Music)

25 years after the debut album ‘Black Dreams of Silence’, French band Apocryphal returns. The new album ‘Facing the End’ marks a stark departure from the late 90s atmospheric doom-death sound and takes the band to a more melo-death approach. They do that with the help of none other than the powerhouse vocals of Soilwork legendary frontman, Björn “Speed” Strid, who features on all tracks on the album. The new album will be released on November 12th, 2024, via The Circle Music.

Welcome back Apocryphal and talk about bringing the melodeath noise! This new album is certainly far removed from their origins, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have the same level of value. Apocryphal have changed, as we all do in some way or another, and as the end times continue to bear down upon us with increasingly worrisome speed, they showcase who they are now with impressive aplomb.

Even if you didn’t necessarily recognise the sound of melodeath via the instruments, you will via the unmistakable growl that Björn “Speed” Strid has. Proving to be one of the hardest working vocalists in metal, his efforts here are as spectacular as always. While his voice is something most will find themselves focusing on, it’s far from the only special aspect of this record. Apocryphal have gone the ‘all killer’ route and worked hard to make the production crystal clear so all the nuances of their heaviness can work in tandem with their big melodies and infectious choruses.

The end result? One of the best melodic death metal albums of the year with banger track after banger track. Where groovy rhythms, intense bursts of fury, soaring harmony, lovable synth, and so much more is blended together in impressive fashion. This might be the end times, but Apocryphal have made it so damn listenable.

From the moment the album starts, it grabs the attention. The start of Smells Like the End of the World coming with sci-fi infused synth that bleeds into a kick-ass riff and thumping drumbeats. Then the vocals arrive, the pace picks up, and suddenly we have a very heavy and fast track on our hands. The cherry on top? A wickedly catchy chorus. It is the first of many highlights.

Highlights such as the clean and harsh vocals playing off each other in style on All is Empty. The sound of crunching heaviness with the impressive guitar/drum combo of He Forgot You or the exciting synth and big sounding solo that is showcased on It Wasn’t So Complicated. Highlights such as the epic Plague Doctor, a track with a wicked vein of infectious heaviness running through it, and the high-powered head banger that is Just My Lies.

Many highlights, proving that Apocryphal’s return is one well worth celebrating.

Apocryphal – Facing the End Track Listing:

1. Smells Like the End of the World
2. All is Empty
3. He Forgot You
4. It Wasn’t So Complicated
5. Plague Doctor (Extended Version)
6. My Hero Inside
7. Just Behind
8. Swallow My Lies
9. Taste My Hate
10. Stella (CD Bonus Track)
11. From Depths (CD Bonus Track)

Links

Bandcamp | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | The Circle Music