Quebec, Canada's Apes has returned with a new recording which shows the music going for a mixture of black, sludge metal and grindcore and this is a review of their 2024 album "Penitence" which will b e released on June 14th by Secret Swarm Records.
Static sounds and spoken word parts start off the album before going into a very fast and brutal grindcore which also utilizes a great amount of blast b eats. Vocals are a mixture of growls and black metal screams while the slower sections of the songs also bring in elements of sludge metal.
A small amount of melody can also be heard in some of the guitar riffing while the songs also add in a good mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts. All of the musical instruments on the recording also have a very powerful sound to them, tremolo picking can also be heard in some of the faster riffing and when guitar solos and leads are utilized they are done in a very melodic style.
On this recording Apes remains true to the mixture of black, sludge metal and grindcore that they have established on previous releases. The production sounds very professional while the lyrics cover nihilism and misanthropy themes.
In my opinion this is another great sounding recording from Apes and if you are a fan of black, sludge metal and grindcore, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE 'The Great Fire" "Echoes" and "Pillars". 8 out of 10.