The Breathing Process – Labyrinthian
Release Date: 8th October 2021
Label: Unique Leader Records
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Genre: Symphonic Metal, Blackened Deathcore.
FFO: Abigail Williams, Winds of Plague, Conducting from the Grave, Rose Funeral, Knights of the Abyss, Kardashev.
Review By: Tyler Sharkey
Thirteen years ago, The Breathing Process, a band hailing from the east coast of the United States, released their debut album called, In Waking: Divinity. A trailblazing debut that carried with it a blend of genres no one had tried before, fusing the current deathcore style with a symphonic black metal sound. Considered by most to be the true originators and one of three pioneers of blackened deathcore alongside bands Abigail Williams and Winds of Plague, The Breathing Process took the scene by storm and have since been an inspiration to countless others who have followed in their symphonic footsteps. Like all things however, it hasn’t been all sunshine for the band. Through the years they’ve survived several line up changes and one lengthy gap in releases with eight years passing between sophomore album, Odyssey (Un) Dead in 2010, and Samsara in 2018. That’s a long wait, but the fans can rest easy knowing that the next release is right around the corner. The band has spent the last four years hard at work writing and recording their newest album, Labyrinthian.
Arriving October 8th of this year, Labyrinthian couldn’t have a better release date unless it fell directly on Halloween. With it’s spooky symphonic elements, black metal riffs, machine gun drumming and demonic vocals it’s nearly perfect for the haunted season. Songs like Terminal, I Sleep, I Wake, and the title track, Labyrinthian, paint the imagination with pictures of war and armies racing into battle with raging rhythms and tremolo picked guitars. Massive breakdowns like on single, Wilt, force you to head bang while melodies bring tears to your eyes on Atlas and closing track, We, The Drowned. Sprinkle in some hauntingly beautiful singing sections and chilling piano parts throughout and you have a terrifying, but stunning concoction of blackened death metal. It’s a cohesive record that flows like a story, ending with an epic ascension into the musical heavens.
The only real complaint I have about Labyrinthian, and most symphonic metal, is that at certain points it feels like you’re listening to one really long song. A little too one note at times with a few sections just sounding too similar. This might not be a big deal for some but personally more variation would be appreciated. It’s a minor issue in the grand scheme though considering the rest is executed so masterfully.
Overall, The Breathing Process have done an excellent job with Labyrinthian showing us that they’ve still got what it takes to be considered symphonic metal royalty. Give it a listen.
(4 / 5)
