Local Review: ACID-HOLOGRAM – Faded Reality

ACID-HOLOGRAM
Faded Reality

Self-Released
Street 10.31
ACID-HOLOGRAM = Gatecreeper + Red Fang

With Faded Reality, ACID-HOLOGRAM prove to be one of the most versatile metal bands in Salt lake City’s music scene. This trio is known to be their own kind of genre: a combination of stoner, doom and thrash metal. Zach Nunley plays lead guitar and keeps the rhythm flowing, Maxi Rivas on vocals and lead guitar helps lead the melody and harmony of their music and Sam Jessing on drums adds a touch of madness with his versatile drumming. All of these elements combined make ACID-HOLOGRAM stand out.

Faded Reality is the first full album released by ACID-HOLOGRAM. The best track is the first on the album, “Max Rivas – Deer man” which starts off with a melodic rhythm from the heavy riffs played by Rivas and Nunley, before moving on from Jessings composed drumming to the echoing riff. There is an occasional pinch harmonic that plays throughout the song, which catches my ear. The song’s outro is a slow riff that fades into a satisfyingly soft dynamic. I appreciate the smooth transitions from each track to the next.

That soft dynamic at the end of the “Max Rivas – Deer man” is quickly picked back up by “Reverse C-Section,” which starts off in a slow tempo before Rivas’ grotesque vocals enter. This song rips—everything about it is chaotic, and the drumming is insanely speedy. The lead guitars are heavy and full of emotions you can hear just through the strumming. The most interesting part about this masterpiece has to be the outro. Unlike most metal music, this outro has a nice, jazzy break at a speedy tempo. Jessing made this song come full circle with his versatile drumming.

“Ruthless,” the third track of Faded Reality, has an impressive tempo change throughout. This song made me feel like I was weeping; listening to the endless void of instruments playing on as the wrath and rage in all the members playing progressed, having no mercy on my ears. Radio chatter plays throughout the rest of the track, which is, surprisingly, also lead vocalist Rivas. In the middle of this track, there is a moment of decrescendo, with gradually softer tones in the guitars and drumming, then the instruments get louder just before you hear Rivas’ agonizing scream. Manic laughter from all of the members truly embodies the title of the song—it’s ruthless, merciless and cruel. 

If you’re into nasty heavy metal riffs, “D-Day” is the perfect song for you. It’s full of heavy resonance, brutal vocals and deathly beatings from the drums. This song will make your head bang so hard that your neck will be sore by the end. “A Nice Trip”, the fifth track, is full of loud dynamics and a strong ostinato. Both of these are great for anyone looking for a quick adrenaline boost to get the blood pumping and the head banging.

Finally, “Encroaching Doom Factor” starts with an impressive solo played by Nunley that is versatile and uncommonly heard in other metal songs. The solo was full of feel and rhythm, and the melody is accompanied by a harmony of emotions. This song made me feel bitterness, grief and an overall sorrow. You can really feel the sadness seeping through each of the members playing in this composition. The song picks up in tempo right after the guitar solo from the beginning and plays a continuous heavy riff. I recommend reading the lyrics—they are brutal and carry a heavy burden as you begin to understand what the song is saying.

Faded Reality can be found on all music streaming platforms. Make sure to check out ACID-HOLOGRAM’s nasty riffs and support their first album release! –Litzi Estrada

Read more reviews of albums from Utah-based metal groups:
Local Review: Breaux – Doom Goddess
Local Review: Swarmer – Brutalist