Drone Down
Self-Released, 2025
10/10
A Pittsburgh outfit with a penchant for math, grind and thrash sounds, these 7 tracks from AutoReplicant make for a hard hitting and complicated effort.
The title track leads with Grae Hall’s distinct vocals alongside Aaron Myers-Brooks’ quick guitar bouts for a busy, prog-influenced rocker, and “Voids” follows with Michael Laughlin’s furious drumming amid intricate guitar and the sort of vocals that require no enunciation (think Econochrist).
In the middle, the meticulous instrumental, “Artificial Stupidity”, carries plenty of melody beneath the charged rhythm section and razor sharp guitar licks, while “Drowning Voices” is an ultra-quick and atypically rhythmic meshing of singing, background shouting and drumming so swift it almost seems mechanical.
“The Temples Of Syrinx” exits the quick listen and chugs a bit with some moshy tendencies that actually invites singing-along, too.
AutoReplicant’s brand of math-metal is about as dynamic and calculated as anything you’ll hear in 2025. The combined talent of these musicians is unparalleled and this record grabs ahold of all your senses and does not let go.
Travels well with: Aaron Brooks-Myers- Oblique; Blynd- Unbeliever