Canada’s Devolver Unleashes New Anime Video “Suffocating Syndrome” from “Non Compos Mentis”
Grande Prairie, Canada’s Devolver continues its sonic assault with the release of a new anime video for the track “Suffocating Syndrome”, taken from their sophomore album “Non Compos Mentis,” which was unleashed this past August. Produced by genre heavyweight Mark Lewis (known for his work with Whitechapel, Trivium, and DevilDriver), “Non Compos Mentis” marks a seismic evolution in Devolver’s sound, melding Gothenburg-style melodic death metal with the raw intensity of early 2000s metalcore.
The Essence of “Suffocating Syndrome”
Unlike many tracks on the album, “Suffocating Syndrome” emerged with minimal rewrites in the studio, retaining its raw intensity and emotional weight from the demo stage. The song delves into themes of mental illness, exploring conditions such as dementia, dissociative identity disorder, and the erosion of self-identity. This sonic descent into psychological fragmentation is mirrored by the anime video’s surreal, fractured visuals.
Musical Insights from the Band
Guitarist Jayde Penner shares insights about the track: “I pulled some inspiration from Psycroptic for the verse riff of this one. The structure is fairly simple, with each riff changing slightly each time it returns. The melodic chorus contrasts beautifully with the heavy, intricate nature of the rest of the track, showcasing some of Chris’s best vocal work. The song culminates in a soaring chorus at the end, featuring a compelling solo mixed in, before crashing to an insane, chaotic ending that will surely leave some listeners breathless.”
The Anime Video: A Visual Companion
The anime video enhances the emotional chaos of the song, blending glitchy, hyper-detailed animation with disturbing symbolism, shattered mirrors, flickering identities, and collapsing landscapes that echo the song’s lyrical descent. It serves not just as a visual companion but as a psychological echo chamber, capturing the disorientation and violence of a mind unraveling.
View the anime video for “Suffocating Syndrome” via its premiere on the Space Untravel YouTube channel at youtu.be/mmRskxYe1q4.
Band Background and Evolution
Formed in 2015 by guitarist Devin Babcock as a creative outlet for material that didn’t fit his previous band, Devolver has evolved into a five-piece powerhouse. With members also active in the local project Dog Poison, their roots run deep in the underground scene.
“Non Compos Mentis” features a refined tracklist culled from over 20 demos, each song collaboratively built from riffs and skeletons crafted by guitarists Devin Babcock and Jayde Penner. The result is a relentless journey that’s both technically precise and emotionally raw.
A Chilling Inspiration
The haunting title track draws from a chilling true story: the 1805 murder of Amos Babcock’s sister in a religious frenzy, an ancestor of Devin Babcock. The album artwork, created by legendary metal illustrator Travis Smith (known for his work with Opeth, Avenged Sevenfold, and Soilwork), depicts Amos bloodied in the snow, surrounded by the ghostly eyes of his nine children.
What to Expect from “Non Compos Mentis”
The band expresses confidence in their latest album: “We think Non Compos Mentis will be embraced by fans of our first album; it’s a huge evolution of our sound. Our first album was a passion project for Devin, but this record is what the five of us sound like collaborating as a unit. The razor-sharp production from Mark Lewis helped us push this thing over the edge, into something we think people will resonate with. We want to give listeners the feeling we experienced when we first heard our favorite bands and the albums that made us fall in love with music.”
“Non Compos Mentis” is recommended for fans of In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Killswitch Engage, and As I Lay Dying. Each track serves as a chapter in a larger emotional and sonic narrative.
Availability and Track Listing
“Non Compos Mentis” is available at the following links:
- Album order (released August 22nd) – devolvermusic.bandcamp.com
- Spotify for Playlist Add – open.spotify.com
- Music Video – Merciless Storm – youtu.be/o_6jcqK2qFQ
Track Listing:
- Deathtouch – 3:55
- New Blood – 3:14
- Jewels of the Maw – 3:30
- Wraiths – 3:20
- At Any Cost – 3:40
- Non Compos Mentis – 3:53
- Merciless Storm – 3:56
- Suffocating Syndrome – 3:36
- Dehumanize – 3:47
Album Length: 32:55
Album Credits:
- All songs performed by: Devolver
- All songs written by: Devolver
- Produced, Mixed, Mastered by: Mark Lewis
- Album Artwork by: Travis Smith
- SOCAN members
Band Lineup:
- Chris Brown – Vocals
- Devin Babcock – Guitar (lead)
- Jayde Penner – Guitar (rhythm)
- Bevin Booth – Drums
- Jaylen Elias – Bass
Conclusion
Devolver’s latest offering, “Non Compos Mentis,” showcases their growth as a band and their ability to tackle deep, emotional themes through music. With tracks like “Suffocating Syndrome” and its visually stunning anime companion, they invite listeners to navigate the complexities of mental health while delivering a powerful auditory experience. This album is not just a collection of songs; it’s an exploration of sound and emotion that resonates with anyone who has faced their own struggles.
FAQs
What themes are explored in “Suffocating Syndrome”?
The song delves into mental illness, exploring conditions such as dementia and dissociative identity disorder, focusing on the erosion of self-identity.
Who produced the album “Non Compos Mentis”?
The album was produced, mixed, and mastered by Mark Lewis, a renowned figure in the metal genre.
Where can I watch the anime video for “Suffocating Syndrome”?
The anime video can be viewed on the Space Untravel YouTube channel at this link.
What is the significance of the album title, “Non Compos Mentis”?
The title translates to “not of sound mind,” reflecting the album’s exploration of mental health themes and personal struggles.
What notable artists are Devolver’s music similar to?
Their sound is recommended for fans of bands like In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Killswitch Engage, and As I Lay Dying.
