Ever patient and disciplined, Augury has emerged from the swarm of brutality that is the Quebec scene and solidified themselves an international record deal with Nuclear Blast. This is not all that surprising, as 2004’s Concealed was a gem, boasting an eclectic mix of influences that immediately cemented the band as serious contenders.

Fragmentary Evidence is a further example of Augury’s dedication, as the band employs none of the current scene gimmicks or staples to sell their art. They have simply pushed their abilities further and dug deeper to create more complex music. This may not appeal to everyone though, because although the core of their sound remains a mix of death metal, black metal, and tech/prog, Fragmentary Evidence leans more heavily towards the technical side.

The acoustic passages are greater in number and the Opeth vibe is stronger. Many of the riffs are extremely complex and require close attention in order to understand where the songs are going. While at times we are pummeled by tight rhythms, at others we are swimming in a loose assemblage of melodies where all the string instruments are off on their own. Although this may scare away fans that are seeking a more direct and brutal delivery, others who listen to a diverse spectrum of music will find much to discover here.

Patience really seems to be the key with Fragmentary Evidence.

4.0/5