Of Sunless Realms: An Inferi EP Review

by Mike · December 20, 2020

From Left to Right: Spencer Moore (Drums) Malcom Pugh (Guitars) Mike Low (Guitars) Andrew Kim (Bass) Stevie Boiser (Vocals)

If you don’t already know the name Inferi at this stage of the game I have to ask: who hurt you? Are you depressed and don’t have the motivation to listen to new music? Because I get it. Anyways I’m already digressing way too much. You’re reading this to get an in-depth look at the new EP from Melodic Tech Death champions Inferi called Sunless Realms before listening for yourself. Nice!

Jokes aside, Inferi has never been known to put out a bad, sub-par, or a ‘just not quite as good as the last album’ album in it’s over-decade long existence. Delivering on an unspoken promise of exceeding expectations with every single release. Of Sunless Realms achieves this in a more compact package. Though compact, there is no substitution in the size and magnitude in the band’s familiar, tale-weaving sound.

Sunless begins its journey through The Abhorrent Art. With a tap of the play button, the listener steps into a realm unknown. Familiar, yet disparate all the same. Encapsulated by the growing ambience as the composition flows like wind clearing the smoke of destruction. Bursting through the bisected haze we’re met with Stevie Bosier’s menacing shrieks, riding atop the beast of Mike and Malcolm’s spellbinding, duel harmony guitar-work. From beginning to end harmonies unfold like the deafening clash of masterworked steel.

As one progresses, the wandering listener finds more curiosity in Eldritch Evolution. Hooked with an uncompromising aegis via the opening riff. Following suit, strikes from the sharpest harmonized composition in Spellbound Unearthed Terror. Before ultimately reaching the final stand, we stumble upon an encapsulating ambience in The Summoning. Setting the stage for the EP’s climactic closer ever-so eloquently. Through Aeons Torn we come to the end, unleashing all of its might to destructively conclude another Inferi-woven tale.

Musically it’s a no brainer: Inferi leaves the listener jaw-gaping every time. Malcolm and Mike’s dual guitar work is nearly unmatched and thus far outstandingly exemplifies the chemistry these two musicians have developed. Lyrically Stevie paints a vivid picture through colorfully articulate verses. This is especially apparent in the lyrics to Eldritch Evolution. To this day I don’t know how either Spencer or Andrew still have working hands. That amount of intensity plucking thick strings and hyper-blasting is almost incomprehensible to me but this is why they have the endorsements and not me of course.

Mixing was handled by Mike Low while Mastering was tasked to Zak Denham who has worked with various Melodic/Tech-Death bands including Equipoise, The Odious Construct, Enfold Darkness, and A Loathing Requiem. Overall the mix is crisp and clear. Instruments maintain their own spotlight, nothing obstructs the vocals or the orchestral composition. And in case you were wondering: yes there’s triggers. It’s sick. Get over it Chevy.

Solid 9/10 from ITPA camp. As always, be sure to check out the band’s social media and buy some sick merch!