Revocation: Revocation

The Massachusetts quartet Revocation has returned with the most superb offering, having absolutely crushed expectations on their new self-titled record. It has been two years since the release of their fantastic Chaos of Forms record and the band returns, not only topping their previous records, but also issuing a clear statement that the band is now a solidified force in heavy metal. Few extreme metal bands do what Revocation are able to do: attack with such energy, yet with so much craft and attention to songwriting, that their records are extremely difficult to stop listening to. The vocals are human, leaving no ambiguity as to where front man David Davison’s intent lays. Davidson, along with Dan Gargiulo also form one hell of a guitar duo. The leads on the record are strong indicators of where this band is moving, unrelenting and unbridled, the riffs on this record soar and the drumming — WOW — absolutely superb.

The record commences with a bang, as “The Hive” sets the record off from the its first note, a wonderful display of melody, blast beats and impressive right hand work establish the tempo for the record right away. What follows will not disappoint. Tracks such as “Fracked” and “The Gift You Gave” play right into what this record is all about-wonderful surprises. One such surprise is to be found on the track “Invidious”, a straightforward thrash metal standard that features an instrument that has never sounded so metal. What instrument? Well, you should get this record and find out.

There are few low points to this record, if any, as Revocation delivers another monster record. One thing of note is how far this band has come in developing their sound. When a listener discovers the beauty in a record, it is in its time changes, tempos, solos and hooks, a result of the familiarity and honesty that a band has come to deliver as theirs. Revocation has evolved in such short period to sound like a band on a mission, that they have honed “their” sound; a healthy product of the right influences building a foundation that is familiar to them. Death meets thrash, meets everything great about metal, which is the Revocation sound.

Fans of the band already know what to expect from this band, a heartfelt appreciation for heavy metal, and a liking for all things extreme are what Revocation epitomizes. For those unfamiliar with this band, do yourself a favor and buy this record NOW. It is a to-the-point ten-song record that is Revocation at their absolute best, an unapologetic punch the heart, and a treat for the eardrums to enjoy for a long time to come. And do not overlook their strong back catalogue. Boston’s Revocation is exactly the reason why metal fans love metal. There is no mistake in what this band does, or in what they will do in the future. Surely metal domination is in their periscope, and it is records like their self-titled beauty that will be the reason why. Revocation rocks.