Band:	Archspire
Album:	All Shall Align
Style:	Technical death metal
Release date:	April 2011

01. Deathless Ringing
02. Archspire
03. Ascendance To The Summoning
04. Ghosts Of Silent Tongue
05. Ancient Of Ancients
06. Rapid Elemental Dissolve
07. All Shall Align

Relentless and catchy, are the two words I would use to describe this album. Hailing from Canada this quintet play top-notch technical death close to the ranks of Spawn Of Possession and Psycroptic. Though relatively unknown I came across this band when searching for new tech-death bands on youtube, and it just took only one listen to make me order this CD. Let me tell you this, Archspire's All Shall Align is one of those few technical death metal albums out there that you can truly enjoy, here's why.

The album starts with "Deathless Ringing" (one of the main highlights in this album) and from the very beginning you can perceive the fine talent of all the members of this band, whether be it in the guitars section where Dean Lamb and Tobi Morelli constantly impress you with their super catchy rhythms (sometimes in the vein of Necrophagist), numerous sweep-picking and brutal yet memorable riffs or be it in the drums section where Spencer Prewett's technical drumming coupled with precision timing does a perfect job accompanying all the other instruments. Vocals is also something to be praised of, vocalist Oli Peter's does a wide range of vocals from growls to tear throat screams. He also does the lyrics which focuses on science fiction, a perfect theme for this kind of music.

And then there is the mighty bass, played by Jaron Evil. It has another dimension of its own. It flows along the guitar in a well balanced harmonic pace that soothes all your senses. On some songs the bass stands out as the lead (like on the songs "Rapid Elemental Dissolve" and "Archpire") and fills the technical bass line on other, it never misses a spot. Also because of the polished and modern production you can hear each and every instrument clearly and truly appreciate the capability of this band.

Overall this album is adorned with massive amounts of catchy riffs. It's so catchy that I can't help but dance to the track "Ascendance to the Summoning", and I'm being honest. Another thing to mention is that the band slows the pace here and there in almost every song with a subtle sense of progression, which only serves to make the songs more crunchy and headbangable.

Clocking around 32 min which is enough for albums of this nature, as it helps the listener to better digest the music and comprehend what he just listened to. Well, I won't complain against anything on this album as there is simply nothing to complain about, this is a very proficient album in almost every respect, and has impeccable songwriting. After all, this is just their debut if they continue in this path they will surely be among the best.

Highly recommended to fans of technical death metal. Get it and you will cherish every moment.

Highlights: Almost every track.