Review DEFECTO “Echoes of Isolation”

Defecto, a band from Copenhagen, Denmark, have released their newest album, titled “Echoes of Isolation”. It is their fourth full-length album, following “Duality”, which was unveiled in 2020. It is also the first album to be released through Frontiers Music, which marks a significant milestone for the band.

“Echoes of Isolation” includes nine songs, beginning with “Eternal Descent”, which follows the dramatic intro, “The Unraveling”. If you’re not familiar with Defecto, the opener quickly clarifies what to expect. The Danes can be considered a progressive metal outfit, as their songs feature various twists and layers. At the same time, the band relies on heavy riffing, and the combination of these two elements makes “Eternal Descent” a fierce start to the album.

An important song on the album is the blistering “Eclipse of the Void”, which was also released as a single. It combines a cinematic approach to music with hefty riffs and soaring melodies. It is certainly the song on the album that best reflects Defecto’s musical trademarks. When listening to this song — and indeed the entire album — I was reminded of bands such as Symphony X and Evergrey.

The vocals of Niclas Sonne also stand out. His vocal range fits perfectly with the thunderous progressive metal that Defecto offers. He handles the rougher parts as well as he makes use of his expressive clean vocals.

The title track brings the album to a grand finale. This 9-minute epic showcases a band with a wide range of musical tools at their disposal. A serene and soulful beginning reveals the potential for creating atmospheric soundscapes, accompanied by emotive vocals. The song intensifies as it progresses, with Sonne’s vocals alternating between heartfelt moments and impressive vocal virtuosity. Along with massive riffs, the finale is a highlight of the album and a textbook example of Defecto’s musical vision. It is a fittingly chosen namegiver for the album.

With “Echoes of Isolation”, Defecto deliver a great record that I didn’t expect to be so strong. This release features nine superb metal tracks bursting with energy, while simultaneously evoking intensity and pure emotion. My hat’s off to Defecto.