Continuing to push the envelope and expand the boundaries of extreme metal, Baring Teeth utilize dissonance and atonal structures to craft new and exciting sounds, which bring The Path Narrows to interesting places. Akin to releases like Gorguts Colored Sands, the death on display challenges much of what has been established over the years as well as music theory; why does this cacophony work so well? Part of Baring Teeth's success with this is their ability to play intricate pieces deftly and with precision. Tightly played and working as a well-oiled machine, the band asserts its power, making the listener take what's played as gospel. In addition to this well-handled instrumentation, the arrangement of The Path Narrows shows that Baring Teeth fully understand how to use these different tones and structures to advance their narrative and fully express their creativity. Outside of this dissonance, the album switches up speeds to play to what's needed, never dipping into excess or self-indulgence. In a genre that loves to revel in excess, restraint sticks out and is very appreciated. Baring Teeth understand this and let the musicianship and songwriting speak for themselves, presenting the listener with a wonderful, engaging gift.

 

Long gone are the days of simplicity, and Baring Teeth make great use of dissonance and creative arrangements. With their influences being proudly displayed, the band makes it their own and The Path Narrows plays as an excellent paean to death metal, extreme music, and experimentation. Not content to rehash many years of old-school riffing and pummeling drums, Baring Teeth push, stretch, and expand the scope of the genre, giving those that want to challenge their senses an album that deserves repeated listens.