The adage of not judging a book by its cover is well received by yours truly with this release from Polish act Inhumanity Vortex who were previously called Inhumanity. Under this moniker was released a handful of demos before suffixing their name with Vortex, probably because there are multiple other bands called Inhumanity, but I might be wrong.

My expectations may have been low before listening to this EP but that was well and truly obliterated when opener ‘Cybermod’ erupts from the speakers. The initial slam riff is the touch paper to an outright detonation of blasted annihilation, tempered by a formidable tech approach as the band is futuristic thematically both via the cover art but also in the way they infuse their songs with a myriad of effects, which whilst subtly implanted make this a cracking release. Having been a solo project previously Tom Dziekonski, whose project this is, has employed a raft of talented musicians to become a fully-fledged band as ‘Morbid Chromatica’ continues the sci-fi onslaught with electronic additions splattering the song, as the track boasts fine bass hooks before the explosive blast beat.

There is a frenzied styling to this release which is highly controlled as ‘Absorption’ starts with pulsing bass before the slam like riff inserts itself creating a slight djent feel too, before the escalation in speed. I’d even say parts of this song were like a more extreme Fear Factory particularly down to the kick drum patterning which works brilliantly as the song unveils a cool synth laden section producing an expansive aura that links to the fret acrobatics of the lead work. The isolated guitar riff initiating ‘Through The Infinite’ is laced with effects as that sci-fi, futuristic appeal really comes into focus with drifting electronics imbibing the song with a slight transfixing ethos due to its repeating attitude. The sporadic blast beat insertions add the momentum required as this purely instrumental tune is one of the best I’ve heard in a while, a proper instrumental that weaves through various riffs and hooks to keep you alert.

Closing this excellent release is ‘Tech Noir’ which sounds like it should be a purely electronic piece of the synthwave variety but instead impales the listener with deluging double bass and a catchy riff as parts of this are reminiscent of Hate Eternal, though not as maniacal. As the song progresses it creates a slight mechanical feel mainly due to the drum work which is particularly effective. Again the electronics imbue the song with that sci-fi fashioning, almost becoming dominant in the mix at one point. However this is tech death metal and this band knows exactly how to write technically adept tracks that stand out from the crowd. A scorcher of a mini-album, and highly recommended.

(8.5/10 Martin Harris)

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