Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Becoming the Archetype - Celestial Completion (2011)

Becoming the Archetype is such a talented band. I don't really go to live shows, but if I had to choose which the band to see live, they would be who I choose. Their albums have pleased many fans and critics. Two of my favorite albums are their first two; Terminate Damnation and The Physics of Fire. I also enjoy Dichotomy, but it's just shy of the glory of those albums. My review journey isn't complete yet, I still have a few more to go, starting with Celestial Completion!

Similarly to Dichotomy, Celestial Completion is filled with solid melodeath to satisfy metalheads. The addition of unorthodox instruments may throw off some metal purists. Still this band has great talent in the solos, breakdowns, and vocals.

"The Resonant Frequency of Flesh" is an intro consisting of orchestration, horns, and Gregorian chanting, which is quite well-written. Then we jump into "The Magnetic Sky", the album's first actual song and single. The chorus is something that fans weren't used to at first but eventually would please the live crowd. Guitarists Daniel Gailey (later joining Phinehas and Fit for a King) and Seth Hecox provide clean singing in contrast to the usual screams and growls by bassist/vocalist Jason Wisdom. Great start! "Internal Illumination" has some of the early progressiveness similar to Textures. "Path of the Beam" has a bit of their earlier metalcore, and when it's blended with background symphonics, it comes out nicely sounding like a more prog-ish Bleeding Through.

"Requiem Aeternam" is another paid-off attempt at making a long 3-part epic, albeit split into different tracks, starting with "Music of the Spheres", consisting of smooth piano by Seth. "Elemental Wrath" is so epic and technical, with Jason's vocals of wrath. "Xenosynthesis" has some of the most awesome growls done by Jason Wisdom.

"Invisible Creature" is an odd pointless Middle-Eastern interlude, but the album's rating isn't affected. "Cardiac Rebellion" is another pre-release single, and a unique song unlike any other. There are gang vocals and even some trombone soloing by Dennis Culp of Five Iron Frenzy. "Reflect/Refract" attacks with the prog-ish melodeath of Allegaeon. "Breathing Light" is an epic highlight to end this offering.

Celestial Completion is an album where many of the songs can flow free and not be restrained. They can be separate singles or be put together as a story. This may be their second-best album in the 4.5-star tier, behind Dichotomy. Unlike what the purists would believe, almost nothing will disappoint!

Favorites: "The Magnetic Sky", "Path of the Beam", "Requiem Aeternam", "Cardiac Rebellion", "Breathing Light"