Album Review: Pronostic Chaotic – Upheaval (Self Released)

Montreal progressive/technical melodic death metallers Pronostic are back with their sophomore album, Chaotic Upheaval. Out May 12th. The album features Fleshgod Apocalypse pianist/orchestrator Francesco Ferrini on half of the songs, new fretless bassist Xavier Sperdouklis (Killitorous, ex-Ignominy), and session drums from former First Fragment, former Gorod drummer Samuel Santiago.

In a short amount of time, Pronostic have proven themselves to be immensely capable of providing listeners with powerful and pugnacious technical death metal interconnected with melodic elements. Confidently striding forward with an album that goes that bit further than the debut record. Not just because of Pronostic’s personal advancements but because of a bevy of guests they feature across the album’s ten tracks.

The likes of Cryptopsy’s Christian Donaldson, Killitorous’ Mar Roy, Christian Donaldson, Sam Hampell, Morane Chabot, Alex Pelletier, Fannie Tassé Lessard, and Krissy O’Shaughnessy, all adding their own touch to many of the tracks here. Be it a guitar solo, some vocals, over even a saxophone solo.

Yes, Chaotic Upheaval is experimental, progressive and tech focused, while being undeniably intense and aggressive. It’s an apt title for an album as Pronostic’s sound is chaotic and it’s an upheaval of the sub-genre. Yet, it’s the balance of all this and the melodious aspects that make it a truly standout release. A balance that Pronostic nail and utilise to make their own. For all its familiarity in intensity, there’s clear light between this band and many others who employ this style.

The depth to this album is startling and every possible soul-sucking corner of progressive death metal is explored. Constantly and consistently hitting intense highs, guttural lows, filled with wild energy, and lavish melodies. The memorability of the record is second to none and it is easily the bar setter for progressive/tech melodic death metal this year.

Pronostic – Chaotic Upheaval Track Listing:

1. Indefinite Continuity
2. Massive Disillusion
3. Conclusion Impromptue
4. Concealed Parasite
5. Waves
6. Bare and Wretched
7. L’impureté Globale
8. Drained by Remorse
9. The Pure Celestial Being
10. Abstract Entity

Links

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