Artist: Dysmal
Title: Gates To Apperception
Label: Apostasy Records
Cat #: CDARC064
Release Year: 2023
Duration: Album
Format: CD
Packaging Type: Digipak

Gates To Perception is the debut album from the German melodic death metal band Dysmal.

The Evolution of DYSMAL: In a world profoundly affected by the global pandemic, change became the norm. While some processes seemingly slowed down, others were compelled to adapt and evolve. Enter Tobias Schaub, the virtuoso guitarist and primary composer of the melodic death metal ensemble Burial Vault. He sought a vessel to channel his thoughts and ideas during this transformative period, and what better outlet than his musical prowess. Thus, he embarked on a songwriting journey, a creative endeavor that ultimately gave birth to an entire album – DYSMAL.

Once the instrumental groundwork had been meticulously laid down, Tobias diverged from the conventional "one vocalist for all" formula. The musical landscape he had crafted demanded more diversity and intensity. This led to a collaboration with five distinct vocalists, each contributing their unique flair. Gitte Silze-Andersen lent her clean, melodic vocals to the mix, while four extreme metal vocalists brought forth some of their most ferocious performances. Osher (Epidemic Scorn, Aphrodia Okkulta), Lisa Ulferts (Hörnery), Raimund Ennenga (Nailed To Obscurity, Burial Vault), and Tomasz Wisniewski (Nyktophobia) joined forces to breathe life into the lyrical tapestry.

The result of this collaborative effort is "Gates Of Apperception," a thrilling melodic death metal odyssey bursting with diversity. From the in-your-face intensity of 'Emergent Perceptrons' to the delicate chorus of 'Evolution Remnants,' from the atmospheric ambiance of 'Hidden Layers' to the groove-driven 'Exnovation,' and finally, the grand culmination in 'Immersion' – this album offers a wealth of sonic experiences waiting to be explored.

Complementing this musical journey is the mesmerizing artwork by Michael 'Xaay' Loranc (known for his work with Nile, God Dethroned, Nothgard), which brilliantly encapsulates the entire concept and adds a visually captivating dimension to the musical masterpiece.

Recommended if you like: At The Gates, Dark Tranquility, Arch Enemy, Amon Amarth, Hypocrisy, Bloodbath, The Crown

Track Listing:
1. Memory Leak
2. Emergent Perceptrons
3. Hypotheism
4. Evolution Remnants
5. Hidden Layers
6. Exnovation
7. Deadlock
8. Brute Force
9. Content Contaminated
10. Immersion