This is an understandable decision. However, I’m very curious to see what whoever replaces Laskiewicz as the composer can bring to the table. The former songwriter evolved quite impressively over the years. The band moved from a metalcore based sound to a very unique 8 string guitar fueled, pummeling, churning death metal / deathcore sound. The Acacia Strain’s most recent albums, especially “Death Is The Only Mortal,” have been very doom based, featuring smothering atmospheres and chugging in a style that reminds me personally very much of Meshuggah. The repetitive chugging and riffing, mixed with stuttering or melodic and ambient high notes and some of the most nihilistic and hateful lyrics around (courtesy of vocalist and lyricist Vincent Bennett) creates a suffocating feeling that continues to squeeze the air out of the lungs of the listener as the song churns on. The simplicity of DL’s writing style is a genius artistic move, not at all a signal of a lack of talent. Just check out the band’s cover of “War Pigs” to understand the premise.
The Acacia Strain will continue on as a band without the former songwriter. I’m assuming the band will head in at least a slightly different direction. So if the most recent work hasn’t been to your taste, it might be time to start keeping up with the band. DL will continue his career by producing other bands and writing for a new project. Keep up with him via his Facebook page.
-Trisolino
Links: Facebook // Official Website // Merch
