Tech Death Thursday: Ordinance
Beware The Ides of March. This is Tech Death Thursday.
And because you didn’t get enough news yesterday:
- I was going to say something complaining about tech death bands releasing videos way after their album has released, but it’s hard to be annoyed listening to Gorod. Check out the new video for “Inner Alchemy” here.
- In news that is most goodly, Alterbeast have confirmed that they have not broken up… kind of. They posted a short clip of a new tune, but as people in the comments were quick to point out, it could just be they decided to finish their EP before calling it quits. Hopefully that’s not the case, as Immortal is one of my favorite albums in the genre.
- New Aborted! You already know if you love or hate this band, so I’ll just leave you with “Retrogore.” Look for the full album on April 22nd.
- Polish unit Banisher have given us a scintillating peek at their upcoming LP, Oniric Delusions, out sometime in the near future. Jam “Human Factor” right here.
- New Wormed. Full stream. Go here.
The world of tech death is no stranger to ambitious concept albums. Ordinance are the latest to try their hand at one; as you have probably already guessed, The Ides of March revolves around the story of Julius Caesar’s assassination. Each song revolves around one of the conspirators, as well as Marc Antony, Calpurnia, Octavian, and, of course, Caesar himself. The historical concept alone makes it stand out amongst the multitude of otherworldly stories told by many of their peers, and it makes for a cool lyrical change of pace.
The story isn’t the only element that sets them apart, of course. Powerful clean vocals are featured prominently throughout Ides, with a hint of growl that gives them more edge than the somber delivery of Andy Thomas (Black Crown Initiate) or the dulcet Roniit Alkayam (Fallujah). The guitar is particularly impressive as well; the solos are creative and the riffs are incredibly varied. Each of the album’s 15(!) tracks is distinct from the other, from the brutal opener “Ista Quidem Vis Est” to the jittery “Of the Fatherland” to the frantic “23 Wounds.” It does a great job of giving the players in the assassination their own distinguishing personalities.
If there’s one place that Ides falters, it’s in the production. Now to clarify, I don’t mind when a mix is brickwalled, or the drums are heavily triggered, or the guitars are gated like mad. It makes it so you can hear everything, every little note, and that’s a key component for why music like Ordinance’s works. However, I also know a lot of you guys aren’t keen on any of the aforementioned, and this album is heavy on all three of those factors. A couple of the tunes even get a little djenty, but they never go overboard with it. It’s very clean and sanitary, but it’s easy to listen to.
Sixty-four minutes of tech death probably sounds overwhelming to some of you, but I enjoyed my time with The Ides of March. The variety of songs kept me interested and excited for the duration, and it’s just a huge pleasure to hear musicians who are both creative and masters of their instruments. Either consumed all at once or taken in chunks, this is not an album to miss. Find Ordinance on Facebook and give them a hearty gurgle from the Toilet.
Until next time,
(Cover image via Classical Art Memes)
