REPLICANT – Infinite Mortality

Replicant is one of those bands that move quietly in the shadows. They explode the moment they step into the spotlight—and they’ve proven it time and again. Their debut, Negative Life (2018), made a strong impression with its impact. The band fused classic death metal with harsher, dissonant textures. The technique is reminiscent of Demilich, and the atmosphere evokes Imperial Triumphant. The elements are familiar, but far from incompatible. Their sophomore effort, Malignant Reality (2021), successfully refined that formula. Yet, as always, it’s the crucial third album that truly defines a band.

 

This time, they passed the test with ease. Infinite Mortality brings nothing radically new to the table. Still, unpredictable twists and unrestrained structures give the sound a frantic, violent energy. The opener, Acid Mirror, makes that clear right away. James Applegate’s drumming refuses to follow a fixed pattern, and the rest of the band follows suit. The guitars of Itay Keren and Peter Lloyd sound unhinged. They constantly shift through dissonant tones that never fully settle, even in slower moments. Meanwhile, Michael Gonçalves delivers a highly versatile vocal performance. He switches between abyssal growls and piercing screams, perfectly matching the shifts between slower passages and sudden bursts of intensity. Standout tracks include Reciprocal Abandonment, which is elevated by its new wave and ambient touches. Pain Enduring is a display of sheer brutality. The closing track, Planet of Skin, showcases the band’s full stylistic arsenal. Here, a stronger compositional focus creates a dense, immersive finale.

 

Technique, creativity, and violence—these are the defining traits Replicant have carved into their identity with Infinite Mortality. This was their moment of truth. The album was where they needed to prove themselves once again. They’ve done so convincingly. They maintain their forward-thinking edge but stay true to their sound. Future releases will tell us more. For now, this is more than enough.