:: Vespers Descent - Reality Dysfunction

Vespers Descent

Given the overwhelming praise of their debut full-length effort ‘Visions In Verse’, and the successful stretch of touring the band did around the country in support of the said release, I’m surprised that its taken three long years for Perth based melodic death metal act Vespers Descent to finally deliver their long awaited follow-up. Absence issues aside, the long running band have indeed once again returned to the studio, and come back with not only a new line-up, but also a new EP in ‘Reality Dysfunction’. Opening up with some really effective sound effects, the band quickly get things off to a blistering start with ‘Spectral Awakening’. It’s immediately clear that the band have never sounded tighter in the studio, with their professionalism improving ten-fold. But apart from performance and sound, Vespers Descent have also strengthened their song writing as well, with ‘Spectral Awakening’ showing a solid grasp on dynamics, with everyone within the band given their opportunity to shine on their respective instruments. The chaotic blast of the title track ‘Reality Dysfunction’ is an even better example of the band’s growing confidence in crafting songs with variables, with the inclusion of acoustic guitars and passages of spoken word woven into their Dark Tranquillity influenced take on the melodic death metal sound. Although a little slower in pace, ‘Deceiver’ definitely stands out with its catchy riffing and memorable chorus, while the more direct sounding ‘Cryptic Visions’ simply pulverises everything within reach. Cover tunes are nothing new to Vespers Descent, and this time we’re given a blast through of At The Gates’ classic ‘Blinded By Fear’, which the band pull off admirably. Finishing up the EP is the wonderful acoustic piece ‘Eclipse’, which again shows off the level of musical skill within the band. The only real fault that could be levelled at ‘Reality Dysfunction’ is its brevity. But given that’s the only criticism I can find here, I can honestly conclude that Vespers Descent have certainly raised the bar for themselves with their latest release.