Signs of the Swarm
metal
About
Deathcore was once dismissed as a trend, so it’s ironic that it now has trends within itself. Downtempo, slamming and now blackened variants of the style have dominated its scene at various points, with many bands jumping ship.
Pittsburgh’s Signs of the Swarm aren’t just any band, though. They’re a once-a-generation beacon that radiates the sounds that surrounded them, preserving history by reframing it. On fourth LP Absolvere, they’re bleak without being blackened, smashing without being slam, and downtempo as a choice rather than a stylistic confine. And as many of their deathcore peers experiment with adding singing, often gruff in tone, they add a more ethereal style that soothes on “Dreaming Desecration” and “Death Whistle.”
The band contrasts that with some of the most brutal moments in their eight-year career, with riffs more punishing than pensive and a rhythm section that frames them in creatively cacophonic ways. Above it all, they’re utilizing vocalist David Simonich monstrous range in a much fuller capacity than on his debut, 2019’s Vital Deprivation.
That transitional album found the band experimenting to re-find their footing, which here lands on solid ground through the addition of guitarist Jeff Russo, a former bandmate of Simonich’s fin Improvidence. The proof is in the placing, with Absolvere landing at #15 on “Current Hard Music Albums,” #21 on “Top New Artist Albums” and #139 on “Heatseekers.”
Behind the cohesive crusher is drummer-turned-bassist-turned-drummer Bobby Crow, who acted as de facto producer, arranging the riffs written across Skype to make the songs more than the sum of their parts.
This gave Simonich a lofty platform from which to roar about the real (loved ones struggling with addiction, submitting one’s self wholly to art despite negativity swirling about) and the surreal; he or his characters beg for the release of death only to be denied. “Nameless” centers around a character collecting souls marked by death to receive its blessing, while “Blood Seal” follows a ritual to summon it. “Dreaming Desecration” and “Hollow Prison” are two sides of the same coin. When one finds themselves trapped in a meaningless existence, they can either attempt to escape through murderous hallucinations or succumb to the grave, respectively.
“Death Whistle” is the penultimate song, closing the album and the writing sessions for Absolvere with a tale concluding in sweet release. The piercing screech of the titular whistle contrasts with a subtle serenade.
Indeed, sometimes contrast can be a perfect complement, but more often that effect is achieved when paired with something more in-line. So it is when Ben Duerr (Shadow of Intent) and Alex Erian (Despised Icon) join the band for growls and shouts, where Signs of the Swarm filter their guests’ bands through their own sound. Instead of taking away from their identity, it expands it.
They’re steadily expanding their global reach, too. In the few short months since Absolvere’s release, Signs of the Swarm have toured with the likes of Fit for an Autopsy, Born of Osiris and Shadow of Intent. Forthcoming domination campaigns of Europe and Australia will be added to their tenure with Aborted, Lorna Shore, Brand of Sacrifice and more. Forget the signs, the swarm is already here, and it’s growing larger and louder every day.
Upcoming events
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Louder Than Life Festival 2026 @ Highland Festival Grounds at Kentucky Exposition CenterHighland Festival Grounds at Kentucky Exposition CenterThu Sep 17 2026 12:00View event -
Signs of the Swarm & more, live in West Chicago at The WC Social Club!WC Social ClubTue Oct 13 2026 18:00View event -
SIGNS OF THE SWARM at red flag3040 Locust Street, St. Louis, MO, United States, Missouri 63103Wed Oct 14 2026 18:00View event -
20 Years of Nekrogoblikon with Special Guests AbortedThe Van BurenFri Oct 16 2026 19:00View event -
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20 Years of Nekrogoblikon with Special Guests AbortedThe Echo Lounge & Music HallTue Oct 20 2026 18:00View event
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20 Years of Nekrogoblikon with Special Guests AbortedFoundation Room at House of Blues HoustonWed Oct 21 2026 18:00View event
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20 Years of Nekrogoblikon with Special Guests AbortedThe Ritz Theater - Ybor CitySat Oct 24 2026 17:00View event
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20 Years of Nekrogoblikon with Special Guests AbortedBuckhead TheatreSun Oct 25 2026 19:00View event
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20 Years of Nekrogoblikon with Special Guests AbortedIndigo Room at House of Blues Myrtle BeachMon Oct 26 2026 18:00View event
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20 Years of Nekrogoblikon with Special Guests AbortedBrooklyn Bowl Philadelphia DownstairsWed Oct 28 2026 19:00View event
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20 Years of Nekrogoblikon with Special Guests AbortedBrooklyn BowlThu Oct 29 2026 19:00View event
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20 Years of Nekrogoblikon with Special Guests AbortedParadise Rock Club presented by CitizensFri Oct 30 2026 18:00View event
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20 Years of Nekrogoblikon with Special Guests AbortedThe Opera HouseSun Nov 01 2026 18:00View event
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20 Years of Nekrogoblikon with Special Guests AbortedSaint Andrew's HallTue Nov 03 2026 18:00View event
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20 Years of Nekrogoblikon with Special Guests AbortedHouse of Blues ClevelandWed Nov 04 2026 18:00View event
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20 Years of Nekrogoblikon with Special Guests AbortedOld National CentreThu Nov 05 2026 19:00View event
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20 Years of Nekrogoblikon with Special Guests AbortedMcMenamins Crystal BallroomWed Nov 11 2026 19:00View event
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Nekrogoblikon, Aborted, Signs of the Swarm, Party CannonHere - AfterThu Nov 12 2026 19:00View event
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Nekrogoblikon, Aborted, Signs of the Swarm, Party CannonVentura TheatreSat Nov 14 2026 19:00View event
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Signs Of The Swarm, support: ten56., Oceans Ate Alaska, Face YourselfKlub ProximaMon Feb 15 2027 20:00View event
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