2025 marks the year of Crown of Madness‘ signing and debut album.
After two EPs, Sunshine Schneider (vocals/guitar/bass) and Connor Gordon (drums) – also members of Arboreal and Misyrion – join Transcending Obscurity Records to unveil Memories Fragmented.
The album kicks off with a touch of angst on Visions From A Past Life, which the instrumentals quickly reinforce, promising a healthy dose of obscure, dissonant violence. I was not wrong, as Sovereign Blood hits us all at once, allowing the arrival of the vocal parts that go hand in hand with the devastating rhythm to ensure a quasi-permanent oppression. The only moment of respite is tinged with the darkness of the riffs, then we’re back to raw violence with Burdened and its waves of explosive rage that barely leave room for hazy parts to let us breathe. Ashes of Mine follows, burying us effortlessly in its darkness, where howls of despair seem to wander, under the watchful eye of vociferations and airy harmonics that occasionally give them a glimpse of light. The sound takes on a softer touch on When I Don’t Remember You, while keeping a heady hint of melancholy that slowly weaves its way through the Prog-inflected instrumental, before Deafening in turn hits us with all its violence. Complex patterns follow one another in rapid succession, but the absence of vocals makes a comeback on the equally virulent Sea of Fangs, which perfectly links rage and technicality while enveloping them in the usual dissonance, then Dreamless Nights No Longer gives us a moment’s pause before letting us dive in again. The track seems strangely melodic, almost accessible at times, but Hollow Thresher sets us back on the right path, that of chaos and musical disquiet, before leading us to the cryptic The Grand Design, which closes the album with the same versatility and complementarity as it began, never hesitating about which influences to exploit.
Although it taps into the quasi-permanent dissonance of Progressive Death Metal, Crown of Madness has a much broader arsenal at its disposal. Memories Fragmented is capable of the most reassuring sweetness as well as devastating rage complemented by savage howls, and no one knows who will be at work in the next few seconds.
80/100