EP Review: Parasitic Entity – Artificial Hell Construct (Self Released)

Parasitic Entity is a technical death metal band from Brighton on the South Coast of England. Their new concept EP, ‘Artificial Hell Construct’ is the follow-up to their 2020 album, ‘The Self Aggrandising Lie’. The EP follows the journey of our protagonist as he tries to understand; the dystopian world around him, his place in it, and if it’s necessary. It will be released on August 1st, 2024.

One of the most notable aspects of this EP that emerges early, is that while it has strong focus on technical proficiency, it’s never at the expense of heaviness. In fact, in almost all cases, the sharp and serrated contrast makes the experience both heavier and harsher sounding. Which, might sound par for the course when it comes to technical death metal, except Parasitic Entity are a much more creative bunch and the four tracks of the release are as stimulating as they are sickening.

The opening title track does a fantastic job of showing all of this, and more, with the cherry on top of this mountain of ear-bleeding nastiness being a thrilling guitar solo. Then, along comes Plagueborn to push the creative bar to an even higher place with a cacophony of savage instrumental complexities and skin-stripping vocal roars and howls. There may be no better example of just how challenging Parasitic Entity’s sound can be than this track.

Yet, it and the following Monarchspawn are also exceptional examples of how addictively interesting their music can be. Although of the two, it’s the latter that is more accessible, because it is such a scathing effort. Even if using the word ‘accessible’ in the context of anything Parasitic Entity is doing on this EP is funny.

Right to the end, they keep this s**t brutal and ballsy. Fed Unto the Axioms (I Fell Upon the Earth and Ran) having some of the fastest, heaviest, and most death focused sections. While also having some surprising progressive touches to balance out the frenetic technicalities. It’s another giant amongst giants, and this EP is so enjoyable, I think I (and you) have found a new favourite tech-death band to champion.

Parasitic Entity – Artificial Hell Construct Track Listing:

1. Artificial Hell Construct
2. Plagueborn
3. Monarchspawn
4. Fed Unto the Axioms (I Fell Upon the Earth and Ran)

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | YouTube