Emerging from the isolated, unforgiving wilderness of Tasmania, these Technical Death Metal beasts will attack armed with their their highly-anticipated debut full-length album.

Emerging from the isolated, unforgiving wilderness of Tasmania, Technical Groove/Death Metal outfit The Absolution Sequence has carved out a unique identity within the Australian extreme metal scene. Their sound is a direct reflection of their homeland’s “dark isle” reputation, a place defined by a sinister history and a cold, remote landscape that stands in stark contrast to the Australian mainland. Following a string of EP’s and singles, the band formed of Shawn Wells on vocals, Luke Tucker, Stephen Cusato and Steven Mason on the guitars, Alastair Boon on bass, and Nick Machin on drums is unleashing now in 2026 their highly-anticipated debut full-length album, titled Dread Cycle, which with the crisp production of Chris Themelco, the classy mastering by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, and the Stygian artwork by Shaun Hyatt, is definitely set to solidify the band’s position as a premier name in contemporary Technical Death Metal.

The opening aria Despotic Ruin (Diet of Worms) is already atmospheric, melodic and bold from the very first notes, with the deep guttural by Shawn walking hand in hand with the riff attack by the band’s guitar triumvirate formed of Luke, Stephen and Steven, followed by Idols of Confraternity, even heavier and more infuriated, with Nick hammering his drums nonstop in a lesson in Groove and Death Metal with a strong technical edge. Then we face Ghost Mantra, blending elements of Deathcore to their core Death Metal essence, where their guitar work is again striking, offering Shawn exactly what he needs to bark like a rabid beast; whereas This Sordid Miasma is as atmospheric as its predecessors, with the groovy, thunderous kitchen by Alastair and Nick making the earth tremble. and The Nightlight Sigil, albeit sounding as heavy as the other songs, is not as exciting. Its drums and all background elements still sound great, though.

Promethean Pilferage might be one of the most technical of all songs, where Alastair extracts sheer electricity, heaviness and groove from his bass supported by the intricate beats and fills by Nick; and their Blackened Death Metal vein arises in A Mire Caked Nativity, clashing with their more technical Groove Metal sounds, all boosted by another bestial performance on vocals by Shawn. The band’s guitar triumvirate once again showcases all their dexterity and passion for the extreme in Grinding the Sphere, not to mention Alastair once again adds his share of insanity to the music with his Djent-infused bass lines, flowing into the closing song Diary of the Emaciated, sounding very detailed, multi-layered and absolutely electrifying, with the wall of sounds crafted by all band members feeling perfect for the scorching vociferations by Shawn.

The Absolution Sequence have developed a signature style of Technical Death Metal that balances high-velocity musical prowess with a deeply immersive, atmospheric undertone in all of their previous releases, and in Dread Cycle those Tasmanian devils have certainly stepped up their game with an even more infuriated and intricate sound. If you have what it takes to face the demolishing music crafted by those amazing musicians from Down Under, you can find them on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their killer creations on Spotify, and above all that, grab a copy of the album from their own BandCamp. Australia has become the place to go when the music in question is Technical Death Metal, and Dread Cycle is undoubtedly one of the must-listen albums of the genre coming from Down Under.

Best moments of the album: Idols of Confraternity, Promethean Pilferage and Diary of the Emaciated.

Worst moments of the album: The Nightlight Sigil.

Released in 2026 Bleeding Art Collective

Track listing
1. Despotic Ruin (Diet of Worms) 4:11
2. Idols of Confraternity 5:01
3. Ghost Mantra 3:45
4. This Sordid Miasma 5:02
5. The Nightlight Sigil 5:13
6. Promethean Pilferage 4:18
7. A Mire Caked Nativity 5:02
8. Grinding the Sphere 4:29
9. Diary of the Emaciated 5:57

Band members
Shawn Wells – lead vocals
Luke Tucker – lead guitar
Stephen Cusato – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Steven Mason – rhythm guitar
Alastair Boon – bass, backing vocals
Nick Machin – drums