The Cartographer – The Collapse Of A Bitter End
Release Date: 18th September 2026
Label: Self-Released
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Genre: Deathcore
FFO: Alpha Wolf, Distant, Signs of the Swarm.
Review By: Jeff Finch
No, the review you are about to read has not been self-plagiarised; this reviewer loves deathcore and, as such, when an album tickles the fancy, the reaction is incredibly consistent. Today’s focus, The Collapse Of A Bitter End by The Cartographer, is another in a line of excellent releases by bands I’ve either never heard of prior or whose discography I hadn’t properly partaken in. While the album doesn’t do anything outlandish or awe-inspiring, there is one portion that makes this one all the more enjoyable.
And that’s the vocals. Now, it could just be me that hears this, but I hope not; with the exception of his piercing, throat-shredding screams, I’d swear this was Greg Puciato on vocals, or at least someone doing their best impression. Whether it’s the intonation or the breath control or something more technical, this was my first thought as the vocals hit, and it never left, though there are spots in each song where it’s very clearly not him. But I digress. Couple that with feedback-drenched guitars, enough stop-start rhythms to stall a car, and breakdowns meant to power small islands, and you’ve got a pretty tasty deathcore treat.
What’s great about the breakdowns is the complete lack of expectations; that is to say, the songs aren’t building up to the breakdown, it just happens naturally. They hit with the intensity of a Mack truck and move at the speed of arctic molasses, just enveloping listeners and peppering them with feedback while they’re at it, more of an exercise in sonic immersion than just a time to get stupidly heavy. And it’s the stark contrast from the main rhythms that brings a bit of extra stank face; while the songs are all sprinkled with feedback, the drums are intensely punchy, the pacing is nearly constant frantically orientated chaos, and the riffs are punishing, there to keep the songs locked into their aggression and provide listeners the ultimate neck workout playlist. The intensity and energy prevalent within these songs cannot be overstated; at just north of a half hour of runtime, the album feels like a full-on sprint with a water break thrown in where needed. It doesn’t reinvent the deathcore wheel, but it doesn’t need to.
What it brings to the table is groove, intensity, aggression, and a punch packed tighter than a suitcase on moving day. If you’re looking for an album that doesn’t overstay its welcome and understands the assignment of efficient aural chaos, then look no further. It may not ‘wow’, but it certainly might ‘whoa’.
(4 / 5)
