Album Review // 2024-03-17

Exocrine

Legend

Released: 2024-01-26

---

The thing that has stopped me from writing many tech death reviews, in the past, was the way the lyrics often feel unpenetrable in this genre, like I am trying to read Lord of the Rings instead of watch it. (I tried and failed) I guess you could say the lyrics are not what draws me in. I often find myself drawn to the pace and movement of tech death. I think it is a hard genre to stand out in.

Exocrine itself is a band that has been pumping out material. 6 albums in last 9 years, in fact. 

This band is pretty new to me. I had only heard a few songs going into this, but felt they stood out from some of the others and had the potential to make me very happy.

The name of the band Exocrine, makes me think of the exocrine system in the body. And I imagine that they just thought it sounded cool.

The name of the album, Legend, paired with the artwork makes me think of a legend that is told through the generations. It makes a great story and also has a lesson to teach. Some lessons are quite confusing in mythology, I must say.

So here it is, my thoughts about Legend by Exocrine. I listened to this album every day for a while, took a break, and then went back to it. I think this method, though it took a long time, was helpful.,

Album Art

The truth is this artwork isn't something I would put up on my wall. Though, it does remind me of a boss in a game. One that throws buildings and has body parts exactly where it is the biggest benefit, such as that eye that is above, instead of in a socket. It certainly isn't here to shake your hand.

Mood

It makes me think of a video game or at least video game scenary. Like you are climbing a very unrealistic type of mountain, that is floating in the sky and has unreasonable abyss-type drops between where you have to go. You need to get to the top of this mountain to defeat the ultimate boss, and you're able to move with inhuman speed, as you make your way to the top. You are energized by the adrenaline of knowing who you face when you get there.

Vocals

This band is a good example of what often happens to me. I don't love a vocal the first few times and then it starts making sense. Originally, I put them in a category I refer to as "GI Joe style vocals". There is something about the tone, and especially the delivery that is quick, but not insanely quick. It makes me think of old GI Joe commercials, where the Sargeant is barking out orders. I think the vocals are good. They do the job. There is nothing particularly wrong with them, and if you take the time and pay attention there is quite a bit of variety,. There is scream-singing, higher screams, to low growls. At first, I thought I wanted something different from them, but they really did make sense with the music. I often find when singing starts in music it shuts my mind down, but the softer vocals were alright in this. They were surprising in Dust in the Naught, where they crossed to an almost 80s sound. I didn't like the vocals for the faster-paced songs Warlock, and Dragon. These songs rubbed me completely the wrong way vocally, and made it feel more metalcoresque. Had there been a different vocal I would be speaking an alternative story. My favourite vocal style on the album is the higher scream. Though if I was picking a replacement it would be more extreme low death metal sounding vocals overall.

Music

I have to say I was surprised by some of the more rock-oriented guitar, which slowed the pace down at times. I think they were well done, and it took away the idea of not being able to pierce through this style. It did create some very approachable moments, almost too approachable. I guess that is where the progressiveness comes in. These days progressive music and I walk on an edge between what I don't like and what I do. If you like progressive elements, you will appreciate these rockier times. It also brought some memorability to the songs. My later thoughts left me feeling better about these parts. It softened things up, but the way they made it works says something. Then there were the jazzier moments and even the use of the saxophone?  I think had the whole album been full of this, I wouldn't have appreciated it, but in this small dose it worked and didn't come off cheesy. A standout for me was the interesting way the solo was done in Warlock, which was the only thing I liked about the song. I know another thing often discussed within this genre is the processing of the sound. Often known for being highly fabricated. I am not an engineer and therefore can't speak tech here. All I can say is, I was not bothered by how this was finalized. It doesn't have the punch of the dynamic variance of some bands in the genre. My favourite part of the album is the overall pace. I have put it on when I am cooking or cleaning, and I can't help but feel the grove of this. The negative feedback I have often heard about this genre is that people are showy and doing unnecessarily complicated parts, and though it is true, I will never be able to play along with these songs, especially the lead parts, that isn't the draw for me. The complicated parts massage my brain in a way that more straightforward stuff doesn't. We have heard it out of my mouth too many times to count. I like double kick and I got my fill. 

Lyrics

I had such a hard time making out the words, that I almost gave up. It was incredibly frustrating! What I learned is the vocals are hard to hear and they don't release their lyrics. So, bear with me. I heard what I could, but the words are few and far between.

Legend

Goes along with the idea of some legends, that seem like you can't trust, or understand the complete story.

For I see the 
my eyes
might become real
The worse off 
I was stained by the wolves eyes
powers which you have thrown away
It falls incomplete
Lies of the ......

Life

This song is comparing humans to ants. I can't say I haven't made that connection at times. The robotic way we do things and don't think, like we are all on a mindless mission.

Humans are nothing
An anthill trampled
Crop pest to be treated

It won't matter how fast you run
Runes of destruction
Lights up in your sky

Eidolon

I don't have much to go on. Just a title and a few words. Maybe it is the idea that we are waiting on something to come along and change everything for us. We aren't taking responsibility ourselves.

We are falling through the pain of time
...... course eliminate lies
So die, we only 
Fight never die
Throw
Your sacrifice will not be in vain

The Altar of War

Maybe some sense of giving up, but doing your best wherever that leaves you?

Missing hope
For the future I am .....
Fall into place
Hear soft whispers
Walk with ...... shadows
I will take my final breath

Dust in the Naught

I think this is just reiterating the idea that we are nothing.

Forget about it
Dust in the naught
We are parasites
Enter the silent and 

Warlock

This feels more action-oriented, like we need to do something to get to where we need to be.

I remember some things
To die and be reborn
We have to serve a purpose
amputate a fool

Dragon

It feels like a last resort. You are going to take the difficult path.

Enter the blackest of weather
I refuse to be condemned to a nameless 
Only something to lug upon my shoulder
Ever defy the only road 
I don't know if it is too late ..... the dragon
Where I take my final breath

The Oath

No freaking idea...

A flash in the void
An endless fight for your ...... will rise

By the Light of the Pyre

This sounds like a realization that change needs to happen to move forward, mixed in with some doubt.

fear was ours together
We tried 
Will you be something great
Trust no longer in my feeling
Change to who I feel inside
Concept from .....

Cryogenisation

If we look at the title, and these few words that I could make out, I think it is talking about a transformation, an assertive one, that isn't necessarily desired. 

It is just the ..... inside me
It is just the ..... pieces
it is just the ..... pulling me

Die alone

Playlist Pick

I had an exceptionally hard time deciding what to rate this album. I find it very easy to throw on and listen to. However, there are 2 songs I can't stand.

The Alter of War will make it to my playlist for its memorability and the movement in this song.

Dust in the Naught will also make it, because it surprised me in a good way.