REVIEW: Signs Of The Swarm - To Rid Myself Of Truth

Pittsburgh deathcore giants Signs Of The Swarm are quickly approaching the release of their next album, To Rid Myself Of Truth, which comes two years after their last, Amongst The Low & Empty. With a plethora of features from some of the genre’s vocal powerhouses: Will Ramos of Lorna Shore, Phil Bozeman of Whitechapel, Jack Murray of 156/Silence AND Johnny Crowder of Prison, it promises nothing short of stank-face inducing wonder. 

Not realising how loud the headphones were when pressing play, this writer naturally threw half of a cuppa all over the desk with the savage sonic assault of the albums namesake and first track ‘To Rid Myself Of Truth’. The instant impact of David Simonich’s corrosive vocals sets the tone for the whole album, with blackened chords throughout and a lip-curling breakdown to send the sparks of rage flying. After a sudden finish, ‘HELLMUSTFEARME’ ignites the flame with another violent opening, cementing its place as the lead single for the album. As we reach the midway point, the pace slows with a jaw shattering guttural that leads us into a ruthless blast beat section alongside a beautifully sludgy riff. 

We move on to ‘Scars Upon Scars’, which has all the makings of an excellent song to experience live, with the words “Cursed” and “Thirst” animalistically barked. It almost guarantees a tidal wave of sweaty deathcore fans echoing them back, surely something to look forward to on their upcoming North American headline and EU festival run featuring the likes of Mental Cruelty and ten56.

Leading into ‘Clouded Retinas’; featuring the signature goblin-mode vocals from Will Ramos, the recurring sinister swell into a more melodic riff, then slamming into a heaving breakdown proves Signs Of The Swarm are capable of writing songs with a sense of maturity, knowing when to lean into a groove and when to unleash out-right fury. This approach is echoed in ‘Fear & Judgement’; featuring Jack Murray and Johnny Crowder. This song hints to the world's current social climate with lyrics such as “it’s them versus us”, “stones thrown and prejudice shown” and “in your fear of the great unknown, ignorance”. The oppressive and downright filthy riffs with impressive vocals from all, again emphasise their balanced approach to song writing. ‘Creator’ brings the album to a close with a crescendo of rage and a deliciously placed solo. 

For seasoned deathcore listeners, the mix on To Rid Myself of Truth will feel instantly familiar as Josh Schroeder, the producer behind heavyweights like Lorna Shore, and previous Signs Of The Swarm records is once again steering this sonic vessel straight into the gaping maw of hell. This isn't, however, deja vu as the mix provides fresh carnage to mainline directly into the listeners' veins. All the familiar deathcore production tropes are here, with a mid-heavy guitar tone that provides brutal down tuned heaviness and crystal clarity that will turn any smile into a pestilent scowl. While the songs are intricately layered with technical riffs and fills to melt your face off, there is plenty of space between the instruments to allow for various vocal techniques to plow into your ears like an oncoming freight train loaded with bulldozers. 

There is however, one exception. While the title track offers a near perfect blend of aggression and punchiness, it is at times suffocated when combined with lighting speed double kicks during blast-beat passage, drowning out other elements that would really bring these passages to another level. 

To Rid Myself of Truth offers an all-gas, no breaks vibe that definitely smashes their “Be. More. Pissed.” goal out of the park. Throughout, it’s proven that Signs Of The Swarm can deliver deathcore magic without relying on parlour tricks to stand out, offering a refresher in the current scene. With influences from the likes of Veil of Maya and After the Burial, there is a diverse mix of deathcore classic blast beats, sprinkled with tasty djenty bops, while tackling topics of Simonich’s own mental health in ‘HELLMUSTFEARME’ and recovery from addiction in ‘Scars Upon Scars’ - be prepared for a cathartic rollercoaster of unbridled rage and introspective honesty. Be prepared to rid yourself of truth. 

Score: 9/10

To Rid Myself of Truth will be released on August 22nd via Century Media Records.

Words: Alice Kenwright

Photos: Signs Of The Swarm