Country: Canada
Genre: Melodic Death Metal / Technical Death Metal / Progressive Death Metal
Release: 10 July 2026
For fans of: Mors Principium Est, Allegaeon, Archspire, Obscura, Beyond Creation
Review | Metal Territory
Volubilis arrive with Theasterion, an album that combines technical death metal, melodic death and prog elements within a sci‑fi concept that fits their style perfectly. The album narrates the last days of humanity, which has abandoned Earth and lives on a satellite around the planet Theasterion. The prophecy of the coming supernova explosion of Unukhalia drives humanity into a desperate attempt at survival — which ultimately fails.
Musically, Volubilis move in a technical, melodic death metal style that recalls Mors Principium Est, with fast riffs, intense technique, and small orchestral touches that give a cinematic character. There are acoustic guitars, subtle string layers and piano passages that build atmosphere and give depth to the concept.
Miguel Marcheterre‑Pina writes mind‑melting riffs, with speed and technique that recall Archspire and Allegaeon. “Le Flamboiement Stellaire” and “Ashes & Embers” have frantic palm‑muted attacks, while Jacob Collins hits with continuous double‑bass patterns. Groove appears often, especially on “Homo Cumulus” and “The Prism”, giving breaths within the technical storm.
Shawn Hillman plays fretless bass in a way that stands out in the mix, giving character and melodicism. André Dubien has deep growls, but the layered shrieks add variety. “The Prism” works as an instrumental breather, keeping the album fresh and avoiding vocal monotony.
Volubilis stand out because they don’t stay only with riffs: – Spanish acoustic guitar on “Homo Cumulus”, – piano solo on “Ashes & Embers”, – orchestral elements on “Theasterion”, – violin & viola on “Unukhalai Supernova”.
There are small problems in the mix: some solos and the violin at the end of “Unukhalai Supernova” get a bit lost. Also, the album’s mid‑section has moments where the riffs seem similar to each other. Even so, the overall quality, technique and creativity keep the album alive and interesting.
Theasterion is an album that fans of melodic/technical death metal will love. It’s short, dense, full of ideas and ideal for those who want death metal with a sci‑fi concept and technical imagination.
Line‑up: Miguel Marcheterre‑Pina – Guitar Shawn Hillman – Bass, Contrabass André Dubien – Vocals Jacob Collins – Drums
Guests: Alexis Rioux – Guest solos (tracks 1–3) Michelle Gao – Violin, Viola (“Unukhalai Supernova”)
Tracklist
- Le Flamboiement Stellaire — 05:16
- Theasterion — 06:29
- Homo Cumulus — 05:47
- Ashes & Embers — 04:49
- The Prism — 04:01
- Unukhalai Supernova — 06:23
