Plumbing the depths of modern death metal with primitive elegance, Succumb is back with its second album XXI. One of the most promising metal bands of recent years, what sets Succumb apart from its peers is vocalist Cheri Musrasrik; the juxtaposition of death metal riffs and propulsive percussion with Cheri Musrasrik’s cavernous howl and sophisticated lyrics offers a unique listening experience in today’s overcrowded landscape. She cites writers and poets such as Yeats, Genet and Zola as her main literary influences. XXI takes an allegorical look at the elements and their associated mythologies. They speak of Lilith, Orphic poems, ocean and nature deities, Dionysus, Arthurian literature, the fly agaric as Soma, the cosmic egg and the Boxer Rebellion. The San Francisco band was formed in 2014 by a group of friends from diverse musical backgrounds who share a common love for Canadian death metal, war metal and 1990s Napalm Death. Succumb released its self-titled debut album in May 2017 and received praise from publications around the world. The eight new tracks that make up XXI are sure to continue this wave of acclaim.