The meandering path of the band once known as Visitor Q has contorted once again. Three years and an infusion of fresh blood have resulted in Vile Regression's new EPEmpires moving away from the metalcore influences that were expressed in their previous release The Pattern Evolves. Instead, they have developed into a death metal band along the lines of Dyscarnate, while maintaining enough technicality to rival a lower tempo Man Must Die. This approach shows a lot of promise, but unfortunately Vile Regression are yet to realise their potential.
First, there's some really worthwhile ideas on show throughout this EP. The De Profundis-esque bass melodies of 'Down to a Sunless Sea' work as a fantastic counterpoint to the relatively gentle guitars of this brief interlude. Bassist Kenn Christie also distinguishes himself in 'Thought Replication''s excellent midsection, which uses a particularly artful bridge to lead into a fine bit of soloing. The final sections of 'The Abstract' and 'The Empyrean Divide' are similarly impressive. By adding a layer of echoing lead above crunchy rhythm guitars, these songs have been given haunting, almost industrial cadences. Vile Regression are at their best in sections like this, where they step away from well trodden death metal tropes.
Disappointingly, the majority of this EP's material does not reach this level. Despite the obvious craft and polish that has gone into Empires there's definitely a sense of restraint to it. Padraig Croke's vocals are powerful and consistent but their humble place in the mix keeps them from feeling as abrasive as they should be. Equally, Vile Regression are sorely lacking memorable riffs. You can hear that the rhythm guitars are far from simple, but they rarely have any effect greater than acting as a wall of noise. For example, the rest of 'The Abstract' is heavy enough, but nothing stands out as particularly noteworthy or unexpected until its dying moments. Too much of Empires sounds like it will be effective on stage, but feels generic and forgettable without the smoke and distortion of a live performance.
There is nothing more frustrating than a great band producing something that should be beneath them. Empires is a solid EP, and is further evidence that Vile Regression's first full length could be something special, but it doesn't do enough to distinguish itself from the rest of the technically minded death metal scene. Everything feels too restrained; the antithesis of a genre that exults in extremity, brutality and any other superlatives you fancy using. It is far too early in their career for Vile Regression to be producing music that feels as conservative as this.
