For those interested in finding new metal, Imminent Sonic Destruction has come out with their newest album, The Sun Will Always Set.

They’ve been on the scene since 2012 with their first release, Recurring Themes. Metalheads may list their sound as “prog death.”

I’ve been a huge metal fan most of my life, so finding this band was a great pleasure. Their sound is slightly reminiscent of one of their biggest influences, Pantera, relying on a heavy bass and rhythm style guitar.

Vocally, they are quite diverse, using a combination of clean and lower pitched screams which rise and fall in unison to the sound of the song.

Lead singer Tony Piccoli did a fantastic job creating this lineup. The drums (Pat Deleon) use a great mixture of straight timekeeping and fills that at times gave me goosebumps. The guitar duties are shared between Piccoli and Scott Thompson.

The deep rhythm sound melds so well with the bass (Bryan Paxton) that it makes you instinctively want to bob your head raise those metal fingers.

1. “Arise”
2. “Fledgling”
3. “Source”
4. “The Core”
5. “Solitude”
6. “Nightshade”
7. “The Sun Will Always Set”

Some people assume — incorrectly — that all metal has to be fast and you barely get to hear the vocals. Well, for Imminent Sonic Destruction, you can very easily get into the vocals. The occasional screaming aspect just adds flavor to this album.

They also rely on a medium speed and even have some incredible slower moments. In fact, one of my favorites on this release is actually led by a piano.

In “Solitude,” Pete Hopersberger needs to get his props, as he sounds fantastic using the keyboard. Creepy vibes can be heard throughout the harder songs, but easily come back to melodic melodies whenever he needs to, such as in the song just mentioned.

If I could be so bold as to give some slight criticism it would be to encourage the band to let loose more. The song “Source,” while being fantastic, felt like it could have been faster. Extra blast beats from the drums would have made that song just blow me away, as well as a possible quicker guitar solo.

So in conclusion, I’d give this release a solid two thumbs up. I know perhaps metal isn’t for everyone, but this band is definitely worth checking out.

Perhaps they might make a metal fan of you if you’re not already.

Review by: John Cicotte

The Sun Will Always Set is available on all streaming platforms.

Official Website