Reviews list for Xerath - II (2011)

If Xerath stayed active after their trio of albums, they would probably reign alongside Mechina as the masters of symphonic progressive extreme metal. Still I'm grateful about how things have turned out in reality. There are barely any issues with the band's material, when everything is in a great balance. But before we can get to their highest point, we still have their second album, Xerath II!

Xerath is one of the more underrated bands in the league of Meshuggah copycats, but what makes them underrated in their ability to evolve into more than just that. This album is similar to Xerath I, while having some different tricks up their sleeves.

Kicking things off is the powerful standout "Unite to Defy". Then we have another good song, "God of the Frontlines", with vicious screaming. The orchestra seems to have stepped back for the riffing to be heard more easily. "Reform Part III" is another supreme highlight, continue the debut's "Reform" suite and leveling up the djent sound. Then "The Call to Arms" takes on the operatic storytelling of Black Veil Brides and early Crown the Empire for Xerath's own usual style.

There's some slight inconsistency in "Machine Insurgency", yet it's still great. Next up, "Sworn to Sacrifice" cranks up the speed, heading into progressive black metal territory. Sounds killer! "Enemy Incited Armageddon" sounds cool in the instrumentation and length, but the vocals sound a little hollow.

"Nuclear Self Eradication" isn't too impressive, though I can enjoy the guitarwork, including the mystical soloing. Sounding like a symphonic blend of Meshuggah and Opeth is "Numbered Among the Dead", with more of this artful soloing. "The Glorious Death" is a true epic, making glorious use of symphonics and choirs. It might just be one of the most expansive tracks is metal or any other genre!

Just like Mechina, a lot more people need to get into Xerath and its concept within the music and lyrics. As someone who's been into metal for nearly half of my life, as well as a bit of epic orchestral music like Two Steps From Hell, I can appreciate the excellent variation here, and my enjoyment won't fade away anytime soon!

Favorites: "Unite to Defy", "Reform Part III", "Sworn to Sacrifice", "Numbered Among the Dead", "The Glorious Death"