DYSTOPIA A.D. - Plaguebringers (Exclusive Music Video Premiere)

You know what death metal, as an institution, needs more of? Saxophone. ​Don't get me wrong: I don't think every death metal band should have three or four saxophones. In most cases, just one really talented saxophonist would do just fine. Obviously being a tad facetious, but I am firmly of the mind that a little exploration and innovation in the brassy department can only stand to benefit death metal as it continues to grow outside the mold established (and stoically defended) by the tenets of OSDM. Imagine my pleasure at discovering that Dystopia A.D., today's tech-by-way-of-prog death metal duo in question, subscribes to this notion as well. Yes, dear readers: saxophone does indeed make a delightful appearance in the (excellent) track we're premiering here today.

For your viewing pleasure, the Sleeping Village is pleased to present the music video for "Plaguebringers," ripped, still-beating, from the chest of Rise of the Merciless, Dystopia A.D.'s forthcoming sophomoric album. It's a killer track and a well-constructed DIY-style video, and, before we get too far ahead of ourselves, I wholeheartedly recommend you watch for yourself:

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Firstly: let me be the first to say that promo material actually does this one justice. To quote ​Dystopia A.D.'s short-but-sweet bio: “There are some ambitious elements that you probably don’t expect to hear on a death metal album, but everything works well together and sounds cohesive...each song is an adventure for the listener.” No question about it: "Plaguebringers" is an excellent demonstration of the unique qualities lurking within each track--take, as an obvious example, the aforementioned sax, which kicks in at the midway point for a soulful interlude, before evolving (devolving?) into a righteous techy solo. Otherwise, we have a pleasant blend of influence and sound on display, from the sidewinding and otherwise expansive leads, to the thunderous drums, harsh chants, and churning riffage that follow. Then those harmonious cleans that interject momentarily? Pure prog gold. The back half is a grade-A display of techdeath showmanship, yet never toes the line of shameless wankery. That, in my book, is a major victory all on it's own.

While in the hands of a lesser band, "Plaguebringers" would, for all intents and purposes, feel a little over the place, it remains surprisingly grounded. It's a great track, and an ideal single, if the purpose of a single is indeed to A. excite listeners and B. give a little insight into how the rest of the album will unfold. The video itself is worth noting as well--the odd mis-matched imagery works quite well at depicting the sonic chaos at hand.

Dystopia A.D. ​- Rise of the Merciless will be released July 31st, 2020. Thus: still a bit of time before you get to hear this beast in full...but you can always spend some more time with that video in the meantime.

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Dystopia A.D. can be found:
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​Bandcamp