There’s something in the water in Portland, Oregon and I have yet to find out what it is. Ænigmatum’s latest full length release, Deconsecrate, is a monstrous undertaking between four gentlemen that have been pushing each other to their limits in an effort to produce a record that strikes a chord with a diverse sect of listeners. Their dedication to the songwriting process is wholeheartedly evident on the first listen, but the discoveries you’ll make on your way through this record are seemingly endless. One listen is not enough. The ebb and flow of Kelly and Eli’s guitar work is a sound to behold in that it covers all of the ground between ripping, unrelenting death metal riffage to melodies and harmonies that are guaranteed to spark an emotional fervor. The bass tone and leads on this album are impossible to miss. Nowhere on this work will you find bass buried beneath guitar as no one in this band is afraid of letting the bass be at the forefront of this music. There is no doubt that Brian’s wizardry with those four strings is the secret spice sprinkled throughout this record that gives it a unique and refreshing sound. Pierce’s drumming is unforgiving and diverse. You’ll find anything and everything in his playing with each listen. From jazzy sections laden with ghost notes and feel to a plethora of blast beats in his arsenal that are guaranteed to catch your ear. The ethos of this album is as dark and foreboding as the album cover and title suggests. Without any shred of doubt, what these four gentlemen aspired to dish out on this album was achieved. Sounds and sentiments that envelope the listener in an atmosphere of brutally on one end of the spectrum, and harmonic delicacies on the other end. I’ve said it already, but allow me to restate: one listen is not enough. Deconsecrate will keep you guessing on the edge of your seat each time you step off the precipice with “Forged from Bedlam” and until you land on the ground at the end of the journey with “Animus Reflection.” Feast your ears, ladies and gentlemen. Ænigmatum is delivering the goods straight to your doorstep.