THE FACELESS – In Becoming A Ghost

American technical/progressive death metal outfit The Faceless are amongst one of my top ten favorite modern day bands in the scene. With 2017’s Sumerian Records of In Becoming A Ghost there’s some minor lineup changes including a new vocalist featuring black metal songwriter Ken Sorceron from Abigail Williams and recruited a drummer into the mixture named Bryce Butler. From Michael Keene’s precise playing to the visceral dynamics of sharp drumming and bass tones these musicians have increased the the flowing instrumentation while the overall atmosphere, production and progressive structures are traditional The Faceless at its best.

While the album tends to have its flaws this is a continuation prior to 2012’s Autotheism but did it live up to expectations? Musically and lyrically In Becoming A Ghost features Slow crushing riffs, incredible guitar work and global decimation of the lyrics revolving differential themes including conspiracy theories, physics, Scientology and a nti-religious beliefs where all credit is due. With this magnificent album they still retained the progressive and technical death metal compositions with a extraterrestrial, light, heavy and dosages of mind blowing executive executions delivered to the admiration and intelligence The Faceless members each have their creativity and maturity technical executed song structures which is the key importance to this album. In Becoming A Ghost may not necessarily be a masterpiece by all means but its another improvement into the band’s artistic and well authentic material to date.

Overall Score: 8.0/10

Review by Jake Butler