Technical Magazine

01/05/2026

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29/04/2026

Band: Cognizance
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Progressive/Technical Death Metal
Album: In Light, No Shape
Themes: Conspiracy, Atheism, Spiritual, Misanthropy
Release date: May 1st, 2026
Label: Willowtip Records
Mixing and Mastering: Ronnie Björnström
Artwork: Jef Whitehead.
Producing: Alex Baillie and Apostolis Karydis
Photography: Nadine Geuter.

Cognizance is a band that has spent over a decade finding its own unique sound, easily recognizable to its fans: a high-octane blend of progressive and technical death metal. Through three EPs and a self-titled single, they have left a trail of technical prowess that has steadily developed over the years, constantly evolving with countless effects and atmospheres. This evolution has allowed them to feel more comfortable with the ex*****on of their vast musical experience, creating songs with a distinct aura and essence. They have become a prolific group, captivating their fans and achieving worldwide recognition, but above all, finding satisfaction in their work, resulting in a type of extreme music that is uniquely their own. These musicians perform a Progressive/Technical Death Metal that includes a lot of sound effects and atmospheric changes, as well as in their lyrical arrangements that project a different image from other bands in the same type of musical environment, executing with a high level of tension a technique that inspires their creativity in the rhythmic measures executed, which dazzle more than one with the simple fact of hearing them for the first time, combining their innate talent and their damn desire to be unique in their style.

After their previous vocalist left the band, guitarist Alex Baillie took over vocal duties, ushering in a complete transformation. He incorporated lead vocals into their instrumental arrangements, giving them the freedom to create something unique and surprising their fans. While the band had achieved much within the extreme music scene, there was some uncertainty about what Cognizance would bring. Ultimately, however, that uncertainty proved irrelevant, as this year they returned with their new full-length album, In Light, No Shape. This new material marks the beginning of a significant shift, full of surprises. By rethinking their approach to experimenting with the fusion of elements in their signature sound, they have opened new creative avenues that complement the band's essence, achieving an impeccable maturity in their latest work, which has borne much fruit over the years.

Starting with the first song on the album titled Transient Fixations, which has the characteristic sound of the group that they have forged over the years but with a different feel. This is because the rhythm gradually builds as the seconds tick by, a track where the electric guitars create a harmonious rhythm between violent riffs and melodic choruses that give the track a more developed feel despite its short duration. The drums are the instrument that makes everything explode with their speed, technique, and brutality, thanks to the skill of drummer David Diepold, whose vast experience allows him to compose rhythmic arrangements within the song's structure and give more impact to each part of the piece, with those characteristic rhythm changes he knows how to impose on his pieces; along with the bass, which is close to the other instruments to provide that surge of sounds in which it can enter more harmoniously and thus complement the compositional environment of the track without being overwhelmed in the process; Obviously, also taking into account the voice of Alex Baillie, who now also serves as vocalist, having more options when composing his guitar parts, since he does not do badly at all in the ex*****on of his instrument and his voice, it is not for nothing that he was in the backing vocals of their previous albums and this first track gives space to this, being a worthy representative of the guttural voices in Cognizance. Moving on to the album's second track, "Inflection Chants," which shines from the very beginning with longer, more harmonic guitar riffs that beautifully structure the song's rhythm, the drummer again delivers an extraordinary performance, shaping the interplay between the guitars and bass to create a structural order and explode at the peak of dissonance with all the power the instrument offers. The vocalist's guttural growls also contribute significantly, prolonging the sound in his preferred style, further developing the overall sound and adding the technical skill that characterizes the band's current trajectory.

Adding more about this new material, we can say that one thing we were completely blown away about was the choice of their first single, "Witness Marks," a track that hits the nail on the head. Here we immediately see that new musical style evolving into a more rhythmic and harmonic progression, with a more organic feel in its musical measures. This provides the right spark to evolve and take the listener by the hand with such a ferocious technical progression that explodes at its peak of compositional tenacity. The song's immersive sound is immediately captivating, allowing it to be enjoyed independently. The well-crafted harmonics provide melodic support to the musical notes, which blend seamlessly with the guitar riffs created by Apostolis Karydis and Alex Baillie. The bass doesn't hide within the melody but rather emphasizes the resounding effects of the track, with Chris Binns further instigating this. jaws of this instrument to have their own emphatic boom within the harmony of this theme. All of this is complemented by that impeccable drumming that achieves the necessary acoustics to sustain its own lasting evolution, allowing the atmospheric flow to be more manageable but with a magnificent aura that hits from side to side, a demonstration of learning and display of technique that has endured throughout this time in the band when talking about this instrument by David Diepold and his hard work in his work, handling the rhythm very well with his cymbals, his very marked double bass drum that detonates in a matter of seconds or simply marks the perfect technique to give each hit on the snare and the other parts of the drum kit. It was undoubtedly the perfect choice to return with all the power that only they know how to unleash, demonstrating their commitment to their musical art. Their second single, "A Game of Proliferation," is equally captivating from the first note, with rhythmic shifts worthy of the technical skill and progressive approach this group employs in their creations. This second single boasts even more dynamism, further enthralling the listener with its soundscapes. The album concludes with their third single, "The Zone," the final track, providing the perfect finishing touch to this stunning display of technical prowess and expertly executed sonic inductions.

But these are just a few points we wanted to share with you about the new album, as there are more surprises within its contents. The band has taken the necessary time to create something entirely different for their fans and for themselves. Nevertheless, the sound feels the same, as it's an infallible signature they've been building for years. However, the new approach they're taking is also evident, focusing primarily on the harmony of the instruments, the atmospheres they're creating, the impeccable technique these musicians possess, and the final production they're delivering. This is reflected very well in songs like "Chasm," "Vertical Illusion," "A Reconfiguration," "Subterrean Incantation," and "Induced Contortions"—tracks that recreate the landscape of what Cognizance was before and what it is now.

With 10 new tracks that demonstrate why this band is having such a significant impact on the extreme metal industry, Cognizance clearly knows how to do things right. Their production is absurdly perfect, and the sheer quality reflects the hard work these guys are putting in to make In Light, No Shape an album worthy of listening to all their fans and any new ones they may gain along the way. Clocking in at nearly 38 minutes, Cognizance is delivering a beautiful piece of material on May 1st of this year. So, our final words would be: pre-order this album, follow the band on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news, and crank up the volume when you listen to it. When it's released, it will be an album that will be listened to for a long time, and we dare say it's a contender for album of the year, even though there are still months to go before the end of 2026.

Featured songs: Transient Fixations, Vertical Illusion, A Reconfiguration, Witness Marks, Induced Contortions.

Cognizance Line-up:
Alex Baillie - Guitar/Vocals
Apostolis Karydis - Guitar
Chris Binns - Bass
David Diepold - Drums.

FFO: Inanimate Existence, The Scalar Process, Aethereus, The Antikythera Mechanism.



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21/04/2026

Hailing from Puebla, Mexico, Eradication released their first single from their upcoming debut full-length album on April 10th. This is their first song entirely in Spanish.

With a raw and gritty sound reminiscent of old-school Death Metal and Thrah Metal, this band evokes a raw, unsettling feeling that seeps into your skin upon hearing this new track, capturing the signature style they've been developing since their previous EP.

Skillfully blending these two subgenres of Metal to create their own heavy sound, and with their signature gritty aesthetic, they bring us their single "Culto," a track that speaks of humanity's despair, life, and death. Chaos is the driving force behind the sighs, like the horseman of death slowly approaching, leaving misery in its wake.

This song is now available on all music streaming platforms, so go listen to it at full volume and don't forget to follow the band on social media to stay updated on their upcoming releases. Links in the comments. ⏬️

Credits:
Cristian Reyes - Production, Mixing, Mastering
Antonio Villalobos - Workart
Eradication - Music & Lyrics.

Line-up:
Edder Chacon Penagos - Vocals, Bass
Saul Jimenez - Guitars
Alan Rojas Darrell - Guitars
Chema Ramos - Drums.

16/04/2026

Finally, Becoming The Entity's second single, "JUPITER," has been released today, showcasing a surprising shift in sound that reveals the band's evolution and maturity as they create new material for their upcoming full-length album, due out very soon.

The sound is reminiscent of renowned bands from a European country that play a style of music that emerged globally several decades ago, known as Swedish Death Metal, renowned for its impressive raw sound. Now, Becoming The Entity embraces this approach, taking up this mantle, at least in this new single, and making it their own ultra-cosmic image.

It will undoubtedly take more than one person by surprise, and in the end, they will love it, because it is interesting from beginning to end, with a 51-second solo that, when we first hear it, teleports us straight to Jupiter. Especially considering this variation of characteristic elements from a great subgenre of Metal, and adding their personal arrangements, they achieved something truly fantastic, which we label "Cosmic Swedish" or ""Suecosmico" in spanish. 👽

So go ahead and hit play, crank up the volume on this great second single from this amazing group, and don't forget to follow them on social media because I'm sure there will be more surprises coming soon.

Enjoy both versions of JUPITER on your favorite music streaming apps. Links in the comments. ⏬

16/04/2026

Hailing from the heart of Finland, the masters of melodic death metal, Noumena, returned on February 27th of this year after a long wait with their new single, "Kuolemankello" (The Beetle of Death). This intense, atmospheric, and catchy track paves the way for the band's seventh studio album.

After a period of silence dedicated to perfecting their craft, Noumena returns with a refined sound that captures the essence of the band: a unique blend of Nordic melancholy and boundless energy.

Composer and guitarist Tuukka Tuomela is thrilled with the result:

“It’s a classic Noumena track with catchy melodies, powerful riffs, and a memorable chorus. With its epic musical structure, the song is the perfect choice for the first single from our upcoming album.”

Lyricist Hannu Savolainen sheds light on the somber theme:

“In folklore, the 'Kuolemankello' has been considered an omen of death. In this story, the beetle buzzing inside the wooden walls warns of a grim fate. The song is set during the savage era of the Great Wrath in 18th-century Finland. However, even in this grim tale, there is a small glimmer of hope, as is often the case in Noumena songs.”

Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, tidal etc.)
Watch the lyric video on YouTube.

The single offers a first glimpse of Noumena's seventh album, which is scheduled for release in August.

Line-up
Antti Haapanen - Growls
Suvi Uura - Vocals
Markus Hirvonen - Guitars, Vocals
Ville Lamminaho - Guitars, Mandolin, Vocals
Tuukka Tuomela - Guitars
Hannu Savolainen - Bass
Ilkka Unnbom - Drums.



Haunted Zoo Productions

12/04/2026

Band: Sypsis
Country of Origin: Greece
Genre: Technical Thrash Metal
Album: Annihilated Existence
Themes: Politics, History, New world order, Society
Release date: October 31st, 2025
Label: Awakening Records
Mixing and Mastering: Costas Papadopoulos
Artwork: Maximos Manolis Art.

Sypsis is a band from Greece that practices Technical Thrash Metal with structures divided between their themes of history and new world order, creating a type of energetic music with well-structured measures and intrinsic rhythm changes that combine with desperate notes that explode along with their cognitive symbiosis of unorthodox movements within the composite sounds of their instruments.

This group emerged in 2012 thanks to the talent of four great musicians who came together to start creating music that they really liked, reasoning with their musical tastes and their musical learning style at that time, starting with their first EP in 2014 entitled Hypnosis, with which they debuted in a country where great bands have been consolidated that stand out for their ambition to want to be heard all over the world, just like this duo. As a result, the band began to take a more serious and focused approach to their other creations, self-producing their first full-length album in 2015, titled Playground of the Dead. In this album, the atmosphere of their music took on a more complex structural direction, adapting to something much more technical and engaging for the listener. They achieved a more serious style in every sense, but with that feeling of wanting to continue evolving to achieve even greater quality against all odds. They concluded this stage on a high note, having a field free of new techniques to continue advancing their musical passion. This led to a hiatus in their career of more than eight years, for reasons unknown to us. But, sensing something, we can say that life has other matters that force musicians to pause their journey for a time to focus on what truly matters in their immediate moment, while obviously maintaining that constant fighting spirit to continue with the ambition of returning someday with much more power. Therefore, as time passed, Sypsis finally reunited with a single objective: to continue making more noise.

Returning in 2023 with a single that was much sharper in its composition and quality, they overcame that hiatus in a visceral way, as the practice and learning during this time bore fruit in the harmonization of their sound, achieving a much more harmonious rhythm, with changes in their structure that tend to evolve and not stagnate in the repetitive rhythms of Thrash, but rather taking the best of it and adapting it to their own rhythmic image. Although another pause of a couple of years came to sort things out, including the definitive change of their group becoming just a duo, and of course, the consolidation of a record label that would support their project and give them more exposure, called Awakening Records, now giving them an extra push to finally release their second full-length album and give their fans the long-awaited dream return of Sypsis.

Annihilated Existence is the second full-length album from this great duo, a work whose superior quality, clarity, and evolution in compositional structures are immediately apparent from the first listen. It features the fast-paced guitar riffs characteristic of classic Thrash Metal, but with a somewhat different blend, combining that easily recognizable string strumming with the technical structures of Technical Metal. This pushes the rhythms to such a degree that they become more dynamic and evolving, all while the bass sounds exquisite in every note. It's on par with the electric guitar, yet also plays a crucial role in creating a different kind of harmonization, resulting in a more resonant echo and greater impact on the new songs on this album. Now having musician Vasilis Nanos in their ranks as session drummer, bringing them a fresher drum sound, undeniable experience, indisputable technique and above all a good structural rhythm, finally consolidating the current sound of Sypsis. With tracks like Hades, where the rhythm of the instruments is carried out at a medium tempo that gives a magnificent entrance to the combined sound of the instruments and the voice of the now vocalist Ignatios, taking it to a more accelerated level, but having that spark of progression that explodes in the climax of the song with a slow guitar solo so perfect that it takes you in a perpendicular line to some well-executed harmonics; With the track "Uss Eldridger," the musical structure takes a more melodic turn with the simple strumming or picking of the electric guitar and bass strings, which give a magnificent entrance to the drums that finally begin the more technical rhythm within the album. There are moments that are more complicated in their ex*****on, but they maintain the rhythm with each hit of the drums and cymbals that follow in unison, immediately denoting a more mature sound from Sypsis, where they are playing their best cards, and it's no wonder, because within this track we have solos, harmonics, changes of rhythms, more pleasing rhythmic melodies and a heavy sound from the outset. We also have that extra dose of percussion in the track Point of Emptiness, where from the beginning of the song the drums play an important role in the sound of this track, giving it a more dynamic and powerful rhythm in the ex*****on. It's no wonder we're huge fans of good rhythms and structural changes that can be achieved with drums; and here we get that and more, since, with the percussion being the central basis of the rhythm of this track, the guitar, bass, and vocals have to follow the impetus of each drum hit and know when to explode to achieve a climax of more rhythmic sounds. And what can we say about Sounds of War, the last musical piece on this album, being an instrumental track where we can savor the technical balance of the chords and the rhythmic structure of all the learning that these musicians have had for years, embodied in their instruments, since as the title of the song says, we have practically those ambient sounds as if it were a war but made into music, with a beginning, a body, a middle time and placing that cherry on top at the end in a superb way.

Sypsis undoubtedly made a strong comeback last year, with a more mature sound, a quality that perfectly matches their music, and a second full-length album with a record label for distribution. So, our recommendation this time is that you go listen to Annihilated Existence at full volume. You can find it on your favorite music streaming app, and of course, follow the band on their social media, as these musicians' journey is far from over, and they may surprise us even more in the not-too-distant future.

Featured songs: Poverty to Destructive Forms, Uss Eldridger, Point of Emptiness.

Sypsis Line-up:
Ignatios Stamatonikolos - Bass, Vocals
George Papastamoulos - Guitars.

Guest/Session:
Vasilis Nanos - Drums.

FFO: SADUS, Coroner, Vexxum, Madripper.

Sypsis Official

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22/03/2026

The band Kalaveraztekah, originally from Aguascalientes, Mexico, released their latest official video this week for the track "Xiuhtekuhtli Weweteotl" from their most recent album, "NIKAN AXKAN," produced by 449 lab.

The band is known for incorporating Pre-Hispanic elements into their music and combining them with high-octane progressive death metal. Their lyrics are inspired by the Mexica culture, better known as Aztecas, and they are currently one of the most impactful groups in this style of Mexican metal.

"The dawn of the new sun rises over the ancestral fire."

https://youtu.be/J7sdb7GMa-w?si=eT_TOnt-PV6qCsoW



Concreto Records

“Xiuhtekuhtli Weweteotl (El Fuego Ancestral)”; pieza de nuestro segundo álbum “NIKAN AXKAN”. Disponible en formato físico y digital en las principales plataf...

18/03/2026

Band: Legionary
Country of Origin: United States
Genre: Melodic Death Metal/Thrash Metal
Album: Never-Ending Quest for Purpose
Themes: War, Chaos. Inner struggles, Life.
Release date: March 6th, 2026
Label: Unsigned/Independent
Mixing and Mastering: Mike Low
Engineering: Ben Karas
All Music & Lyrics composed by: Frank D'Erasmo
Album art: Mark Cooper.

Legionary is a band that combines the structural framework of Melodic Death Metal with the fast-paced rhythms of Thrash Metal, creating a solid foundation of sounds that explode from the moment you press play on their music. Their discography is somewhat unusual due to their short history, currently consisting of two full-length albums and seven EPs. The band has experienced periods of highs and lows in its original lineup, and now only a solo project remains, led by the genius Frank D'Erasmo (drums/rhythm guitar). Therefore, he currently dedicates himself exclusively to studio projects, but with this as a base, this musician has been composing music that has evolved over time and has managed to improve the quality of his creations, although this is not surprising, since listening to his entire discography we realize that there is not a single song that does not give you a feeling of joy when listening to them and having a good time in the process.

Picking up where they left off on their previous EP "Prison Realm", Legionary takes the same songwriting path, with the same style but even more powerful, finally creating their second full-length album titled Never-Ending Quest for Purpose, in which all the members from the previous album have returned, including vocalist Chris Clancy (As I Lay Dying, Invictus, Mutiny Within) and lead guitarist Tony Barhoum (Chaos Sanctuary, Condition Critical), but this time with the great addition of mixing engineer Mike Low. An album that marks the new direction this group has taken, with a meticulously exceptional sound and absurdly brilliant quality, resulting in material that fans of this band will adore and treasure. It sounds so great in every way, with electric guitars so crisp that every damn guitar riff enhances the brutality, speed, and heaviness of each song, with solos and harmonics worthy of a new approach that create an indescribable atmosphere that you can feel in your entire being when you hear those melodic parts generated in every strum of the guitar strings, along with the bass that follows every score to the letter and doesn't hide at all; on the contrary, it's so fully integrated into the compositional rhythm of the music that you clearly hear how every riff resonates. And what can we say about the drums? A frenetic mix of percussion that can be lightning-fast but drops in intensity when the need for a more practical approach with the string melodies. The accompanying sounds are so chaotic yet beautiful in this new material that they leave us speechless. Speaking of words, the vocalist's voice is so perfectly suited to the established rhythms of the music itself, shifting from guttural growls to clean vocals or truly gorgeous, raw screams that don't get lost in the instruments; on the contrary, they enhance the beauty of the material in every song, resulting in an album that is so complete from beginning to end.

Starting with the first song, Sentenced to a Life of Chronic Guilt, an instrumental track that clearly indicates what awaits you, with violent, fast, and concise guitar riffs, punctuated by the extraordinary work of the drums that maintain the preferred rhythm to further enhance the harmonics introduced in this track, accompanied by solos that seem to want to destroy the guitar strings due to their meticulousness, but which know how to hit the nail on the head of the creative scheme, with the bass that accompanies them in the background of the dissonance and that makes itself known from beginning to end, then the curtain rises with If the Judges Became the Judged, the second track which starts with more punch with guttural vocals and emphasized riffs, then arranges them in a much more melodic structure with the accompaniment of clean vocals that shape the ability to give the song an evolution, until reaching a point where the central axis is the climax generated by a change of heavier rhythm, with a faster drum but following the rhythm of the other instruments to start with the appropriate opening of the guitar solo that explodes in all its splendor, highlighting the scores of the instruments even more. But this would only be a little bit of the context that the beginning of this album has generated for us, since the other songs are just as tasty, with changes of rhythms between the accelerated and the melodic, generating a much more energetic aura in the process. With only five songs on this album, each around five or six minutes long, Legionary managed to create a complete album that lasts approximately half an hour. The final track, "Story Without Closure," clocks in at nearly twelve minutes, serving as an excellent conclusion. Its varied tempos and rhythms in the arrangements leave you wanting more and more noise. What we mean by this is that such long tracks can often become tedious, but not in this case. Here, you can listen closely to each instrument's score as if it doesn't exhaust you in the process, giving you a feeling of intense, fresh, and chaotic energy that never lets up. The result is a track that provides the perfect resolution, especially with the inclusion of a violin solo that brought tears to our eyes—something only Legionary can achieve with their creations. It completely shifts our expectations and transforms the song into a beautiful piece that ends on a high note.

Without a doubt, each of the five songs highlights the drive and desire to transcend the basic forms of music composition, taking into account the passage of time and the new mastering methods available today. Thanks to this, we can immediately notice the significant change in Frank D'Erasmo's creative mind, along with the impressive lineup he has assembled to create his songs. We expected nothing less; simply by looking at the names of the bands these musicians have been or are currently in, we can get an idea that it will be something great from the outset. But certainly, not just anyone can create an album worthy of being listened to from beginning to end and that is so good. Experience, talent, and creativity will always be the best weapons of musicians who make extreme music, because the ability to create such an excellent and beautiful album from beginning to end, one that doesn't let go, that keeps you on top of every damn change of rhythm, that is constantly evolving, or that simply delivers the necessary punch to make you shake your head in all directions without losing the thread of the music, is not so easy.

That said, we are truly grateful to have listened to this material countless times before being able to write anything appropriate for an album that deserves a perfect score this year, being the first album we are giving such a rating, because the spectacular quality is evident, the preferred arrangements of each instrument involved, the effort that went into creating this material and above all the damn balls to make a fu***ng beautiful album. Without a doubt, Never-Ending Quest for Purpose is Legionary's best work to date. Their discography is remarkably consistent, with every song a gem. They consistently deliver excellent work, consistently reaching new heights in compositional excellence. We firmly believe this album deserves the applause and praise of all their fans, and those listening for the first time will be pleasantly surprised. They'll enjoy it from beginning to end, just as we did, along with their entire discography. So go follow them and crank up the volume on their latest release—you truly won't regret it.

Featured songs: All the songs on the album.

Legionary Line-up:
Frank D’Erasmo - Rhythm Guitars, Drums, Bass
Tony Barhoum - Lead Guitars
Chris Clancy - Vocals.

Guest/Session:
Ben Karas - Violin Solo on "Story Without Closure".

FFO: Into Eternity, Darkane, Sylosis, Fear Catalyst.



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