The Italian maestros of symphonic and technical death metal, Fleshgod Apocalypse, unveil the curtains on their latest musical creativity. And without losing the grip over the technical skills and dynamic paces, the fifth album Veleno is approached with better songwriting and detailed musical arrangements. The growing profusion of the guitar riffs, melodies and the insane growling are backed by the incredible drumming speed. The band now seems to be at the top of their game, as there are many elements which makes Veleno their best album. Starting from the beautiful album cover which is nothing but an exotic piece of work. The songs on the new album are pompously led by the grand symphonies which adds a grandiloquent sensibility to the musical texture. The systematic methods of merging the symphonies with the brutality of the modern death metal have been concluded by the stylish and sophisticated technique.

Veleno is no different from the prior albums, but this time Fleshgod Apocalypse aimed to perfect their sound. Now there are plenty of enthralling dynamics from the weight of the drum blows and the voluminous riffage. There is no doubt that brutal aspect which makes this whole album so dynamic and aggressive at the same time. It may take years for a certain bands to perfect their craft, but these Italian maniacs have succeeded to top this album. The grand opening track is named Fury and it is outlined by the marriage of the torrential blast beats and elegant melodies.

Veleno is enormously fierce, merciless and directed by the extreme guitar riffs. The clear audibility of the instrumentation is what makes this album so irresistible. Apart from the huge production every element is beautifully defined, the melodies are quite elegant and they constantly keep rushing into your face. Moreover the orchestral compositions are pushed to the forefront beside the guitar riffs and they’re both sound catchy and fulfilling. The opening moments of Carnivorous Lamb is beautifully graced with lush symphonies. As the track continues to progress with great force, though it is important to say that new album feels more modified and there are selected elements from previous albums which appeared on Agony and Labyrinth are also presented here.

Sugar which is the highlight of the album was premiered a few weeks before the actual release date of the album. This track is driven by the intensity of the guitar riffs, and the propelling force is mainly defined by the fast tempos and aggressive drum performance. The unexplored boundaries which the band aimed to reach can be found on their fifth track Monnalisa, is both charming and graceful. The beautiful operatic vocals of the Veronica Bordacchini along with monstrous growls of Francesco Paoli are some of the strongest elements on this album beside the symphonies. This track is evolved by the operatic chants, including the superfine piano passages and catchy solos but I must say that role of the drums are brilliantly performed on the entire album. As it adds that brutal and aggressive dimension to the framework of each of the tracks.

The most sophisticated elements of the band is to address their music with enormous dynamism, the barbaric growls often defined their brutal tone on each album. Worship and Forget is yet another massive and brutal death metal onslaught achieved by the blast beats. Veleno is infused with staggering amounts of brutality, the inhuman growls are vigorously potent. The raging symphonies seems endless as they’re brilliant composed by the sublime musical sense. 

Bassist Paolo Rossi‘s clean vocals are also combined to the whole musical harmony. On Absinthe these elements transform into a vivid and pompous tone, the force of the raging blast beats and the technical guitar skills accelerates to kinetic energy. Solos, and wailing screams that are backed by double bass, and monstrous growls are all defined by the sheer majestic symphony. Francesco Ferrini has combined a set of orchestral parts that immediately can lure the listeners. Rhythm and lead guitars are loud are provided by Francesco Paoli. 

Pissing on the Score is instantly appealing and has enough hooks and creativity to make you heed. The piano is mainly focused here but the energy and the dynamics of the guitar riffs, and the technical skills of the drums makes this tracks sound so attractive. The Day We’ll be Gone is a very calm and soothing track, you can hear different melodies from other instruments flowing vividly. The most focal point is the tranquil voice of Veronica Bordacchini who serenades softly on this track. This might be one of their most emotional songs ever as it pertains to the cinematic style of singing. Closing track Embrace the Oblivion is outrageously balanced by the dark elements as it allows the symphonies to shine. Veleno is Fleshgod Apocalypse best work to date, the album aptly describes the band’s matured sound and the unique matchless quality. 

Release Date: May 24th, 2019
Label: Nuclear Blast
Track list:

1. Fury
2. Carnivorous Lamb
3. Sugar
4. The Praying Mantis’ Strategy
5. Monnalisa
6. Worship and Forget
7. Absinthe
8. Pissing on the Score
9. The Day We’ll Be Gone
10. Embrace the Oblivion
11. Veleno