Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Breathing Process, The - Todeskrone (2023)

I'm quite used to this epic blackened deathcore sound now and can enjoy bands like The Breathing Process. The band made a new EP in 2023, their first since the demos, entitled Todeskrone (Death's Crown). Here the sometimes-fast sometimes-slow extreme sound of Labyrinthian continues and shows that the band are back in their earlier quick pace of making new material. OK, it's not a lot since their previous release two years prior, with this one being just a 4-track EP. Still it's another straight-on example of their symphonic blackened deathcore sound that would later be credited to the new more popular bands of that style. And it's also where it's just that, symphonic blackened deathcore! Barely any of their earlier melodeath has remained in this release.

The 4 tracks in this EP are all nicely-refined bangers that again continue what they had in Labyrinthian. However, it has more of the deathly direction they're usually known for with barely any of the melody in the more experimental tracks. That's where the lack of melodeath can be heard compared to earlier albums. I love this because it gives them more in common with the more popular bands of the epic blackened deathcore scene such as Lorna Shore, Mental Cruelty, Worm Shepherd, and later Carnifex. On the other hand, the reduction of experimentation makes the release have slightly less of the perfect glory of those previous 3 albums.

Striking with vicious vocal layers is the first song "Empty, Not Alone". Their current vocalist Chris Rabideau sounds so monstrous, and I mean that in a good way. "Hell is Almost Heaven" really lets it rip with vocals and instrumentation of total hellfire. "Clawed" is filled with noise and chaos, and includes guest vocals by the talented Devin Duarte of Worm Shepherd. The closing title track is an epic throwback to the blackened side of their past and it's packed with sounds of deathly destruction.

Though not as perfect as most of the band's discography, Todeskrone displays a promising direction of where The Breathing Process will go next. I hope to hear more of their strength and talent in their upcoming album later this year or the next!

Favorites: "Empty, Not Alone", "Todeskrone"