January 2026 Featured Release - The Sphere Edition

So just like that we find that a new month is upon us which of course means that we’ll be nominating a brand new monthly feature release for each clan. This essentially means that we’re asking you to rate, review & discuss our chosen features for no other reason than because we enjoy the process & banter. We’re really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on our chosen releases so don’t be shy.

This month's feature release for The Sphere, nominated by me (Shadowdoom9 (Andi)), is the 2015 sole release by NSW-based cyber/industrial metalcore band The Arbitrary Method, Augmentation. Really such a shame there isn't anything beyond this from the band, but this EP is worth listening and savoring. Anyone looking for a more cyber Mushroomhead should give this a try.

https://metal.academy/releases/65189

Here's my review summary:

The Arbitrary Method was only active for short EP in 2015, and that EP, Augmentation showcases a diverse mix of industrial/cyber metal and metalcore, and a small bit of nu metal. It's almost the same kind of blend heard in Northlane's Alien! Plus some touches of Cypecore and 2000s Mechina. To be more specific, there are the samples and synths expected in a Sphere release. And there are the simple yet heavy riffing and drums of metalcore, with some lyrics and vocals lean into nu metal territory. The end result is a great small offering that isn't perfect but still enjoyable. More about that in my review itself...

4/5

Recommended tracks: "Divide the Devil", "Defy", "Into Insanity"

For fans of: Cypecore, Mechina's The Assembly of Tyrants, Northlane

These guys appear to be from my former hometown of Sydney so I'm surprised that I've never heard of them before.