REVIEW: Ancient Death - Ego Dissolution

Ancient Death are coming in fast and hot with their debut full length album Ego Dissolution - prepare for eight straight tracks of cosmic death metal from a band that are really here to show the world what they're made of. The four piece are from Massachusetts, and feature bassist/vocalist Jasmine Alexander, guitarist Ray Brouwer, guitarist/vocalist Jerry Witunsky, and drummer Derek Malone Moniz. Whilst the band's first four years of releasing music together have shown plenty of promise, this debut has smashed all expectations.

The title track throws us straight in at the deep end, opening with shredding guitars and rapid drums before the extended intro eventually pulls us into Jerry Witunsky's cathartic screams. The track slows around the three minute mark, before ripping into a blast beat filled breakdown full of screeching guitar's that the band blend together, to create a cohesive pure metal experience. The momentum does not slow as ‘Breaking the Barriers of Hope’ launches the listener straight back into those same blast beats, as the band terraforms a desolate landscape with their rhythms and melodies. The second half of the track slows in tempo but never in rage, with visions of two stepping mosh pits and crowd surfers being fabricated almost unconsciously.

Twanging bass rumblings signal the beginning of 'Breathe - Transcend (Into The Glowing Streams Of Forever)' as it runs much darker than the songs prior. The melancholic bassline drags the rest of the band through and leads the way until, at the halfway mark, it transcends into something more melodic. Ancient Death then present new instruments like bells and synths, before Jasmine Alexander's vocals saunter into the song like a siren, slowly bringing us back around to the guttural screams we’re familiar with.

‘Journey to the Inner Soul’ again differs from the rest, being more weightless and atmospheric; the guitars and drums conjure up a large gaping hole, able to swallow the listener whole. This number is completely instrumental but barely feels as such, the guitars singing a haunting repetitive melody that echoes through to the end as it stands alone.  ‘Echoing Chambers Within the Dismal Mind’ shows us the true power of Ancient Death as Jasmine and Jerry share what their screams can invent when put together, giving us layered vocals and screams throughout the track. This use of both vocalists really stands out, creating a fascinating stylistic choice that is very listenable. This is our stand out track from the album, as it varies between patterns and rhythms but comes together cohesively, making you want to hit repeat as soon as it ends. 

'Unspoken Oath' pulls us back into the shattering classic death metal tracks, a blueprint for what you'd expect and possibly the least intriguing of the line up - but still not wavering in its quality. Shredding guitars, build ups and breakdowns making it still completely listenable and entertaining, just not quite matching up with the rest of the album. ‘Discarnate’, though, is as incorporeal as its name, a short instrumental track that rings like empty reverberating halls, a guitar melody sings its way through the track hauntingly. 

The last track ‘Violent Light Decays’ truly showcases everything the band have to give: a breakdown with blast beats only two minutes into the seven minute track, Jasmine’s thick, gravelly screams taking a moment to shine before a slow in tempo that slowly builds into expeditious guitars. The song truly is like a musical roller coaster dragging the listener through hills, drops and 360 loops, speedrunning everything the band can give. 

The album is incredibly cohesive throughout its eight tracks, and is very well recorded and mixed, with the tracks differing to suit their own styles while still maintaining the overall sound of the band. Although we wish it was longer here at Out Of Rage, we can surely say it's one of the best death metal albums we've featured this year, especially coming from a band that are only four years young! We we can't wait to hear what they conjure next.  

The band have various live shows lined up in 2025 and we hope they might one day be able to make it across the pond to us in the UK - death metal fans keep eyes and ears peeled as we're sure this album will create some noise. 

Score: 9/10 

Ego Dissolution was released on April 18th 2025.

Words: Amy Smyth

Photos: Ancient Death