Album Review
By: Ashley Parrish
"Holy blistering riffs and searing solos, Batman—these guitars could cut through steel like a batarang!"
Phenomena II, the follow-up to the acclaimed Phenomena, is here. Ten years after the original, these tech-death-core wizards—Joe Cocchi (guitar), Kevin McGuill (drums), Paolo Galang (bass/cleans), and Steve Tinnon (vocals)—are still delivering that signature blend of brutality and melody. With unbelievable guitar work and tight-as-hell rhythms, Phenomena II continues the conceptual narrative of its predecessor, rooted in video games, comic books, and pop culture, all wrapped up in cinematic digital effects and the face-melting riffage Within the Ruins is known for.
I’ve reviewed my fair share of deathcore albums, but Phenomena II marked my first real dive into the world of Within the Ruins. These guys could be labeled progressive metalcore, djent, melodic deathcore, futuristic metal—or maybe even cybernetic shredcore and sci-fi death groove if you’re feeling particularly creative. Whatever you want to call them, I dove into their discography, spanning back to 2006, to get a proper feel for their sound and its evolution. Over the years, the band has shifted slightly from technical deathcore, adding in some progressive, melodic, and electronic elements while maintaining impressive precision.
I was consistently impressed with their technical, intricate approach to metal. A pivotal moment in their evolution came in 2018 when Steve Tinnon took over vocal duties from Tim Goergen. Despite the lineup change, the band has maintained their complex, riff-heavy style while continually pushing their sound forward. Phenomena II feels like both a progression and a callback, merging cinematic storytelling with relentless technicality.
One aspect that stood out for me on Phenomena II is how Steve Tinnon’s deep vocal style and Joe Cocchi’s intricate guitar work create a dynamic dialogue within the music. The guitar and vocals complement each other nicely, with Cocchi’s riffs acting almost as a second vocalist and Tinnon’s voice driving the tracks forward.
The track "Demon Killer" caught my attention with its intricate and unexpected guitar leads. The shifty change-ups and maniacal drumming from Kevin McGuill highlight their ability to balance complexity with flow, while the syncopated rhythms add to the track’s unpredictable nature.
"Level 12," the first of three instrumentals, introduces a digital, futuristic vibe that flows seamlessly into "Eater of Worlds." The track’s chuggy, barky intro, combined with electronic elements, enhances the album’s game-like atmosphere and narrative, with hints of blackened-style vocals and operatic elements thrown in. Easily one of my favorites on the album.
"The Last Son" slows things down slightly, letting the atmospheric vibe take center stage while Cocchi’s guitar work maintains intensity. "Chaos Reigns" follows, blending more operatic elements with glitchy, erratic tones and smooth transitions, creating an unexpected contrast that highlights the band’s cohesion amidst the chaos. "Death Mask," a tight interlude, leads into the heavier "Corruption," where the intensity escalates.
The album closes with the final instrumental, "Enigma II," which features melodies that might seem familiar to more than just fans of the band, along with subtle callbacks for long-time listeners. I’ll leave the fun of discovering them to you—keep your decoder ring handy.
Phenomena II features clear and polished production, resulting in a sound that allows the intricate guitar work, commanding vocals, and precise drumming to shine, giving the album a cohesive and balanced feel. While a touch more bass presence might have added extra depth, the overall sound remains impressively tight.
A few tracks also tease with hints of blackened-style vocals, leaving me curious about how a stronger presence of that vocal style might have influenced the album's dynamic. Even so, the album stands strong as it is.
Overall, Phenomena II is a fun, original, and technically impressive addition to Within the Ruins' discography. The album delivers a polished and cohesive sound that balances brutality and storytelling with intricate musicianship. Even a decade after the original, and with a new vocalist at the helm, the band proves they can still deliver what made Phenomena such a banger in the first place.
Feel like stalking them online?
Here are links to their BANDCAMP, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
- 10/09 - Lubbock, TX @ Jake’s
- 10/10 - Denver, CO @ Roxy Theatre
- 10/11 - Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th Street
- 10/12 - Dallas, TX @ RBC
- 10/13 - San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Underground
- 10/23 - Lakewood, OH @ The Foundry
- 10/24 - Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room
- 10/25 - Toronto, ON @ Lee’s (Cave)
- 10/26 - Montreal, QC @ Foufounes
- 10/27 - Hartford, CT @ Webster Underground