50 Most Underrated Albums of the 2000's (So Far): #24

24.Revocation-Existence is Futile (2009)

In late 2009, the music video for Revocation's "Dismantle the Dictator" went viral in the metal community. The video captivated the masses thanks to the virtuoso guitarwork from vocalist/guitarist David Davidson and their unique sound that was an equal blend of death, thrash and progressive metal. The success of the video for "Dismantle the Dictator" served as the catalyst for Revocation becoming one of the most popular bands in modern extreme metal over the past several years. While "Dismantle the Dictator" got plenty of attention, the album it's featured on, Existence is Futile, did not. Existence is Futile is loaded with tracks that feature the same technical wizardry and infectious ferocity that made "Dismante the Dictator" such a breakout hit. The high-flying solowork, crunching riffs and soaring melodies of "Pestilence Reigns", "Deathonomics" and "Leviathan Awaits" are further proof that Davidson is the most gifted guitarist of his generation, while instrumental tracks "Enter the Hall" and "Across Forest and Fjords" focus more on the impressive dynamic Revocation has as a group. The most overlooked aspect of Existence is Futile is the fact that Revocation was only a three-piece at the time this was recorded. Having a band that makes music that's this complex and powerful with only three members is a huge accomplishment. Revocation went onto to add a second guitarist during the touring cycle for Existence is Futile and went onto sound even more immense after doing so, but I'll never stop being impressed by how big of a sound they were able to achieve as a trio on this record. Existence is Futile is the record that laid down the blueprint for Revocation to become one of the biggest forces in modern extreme metal.

Standout Tracks
1.Pestilence Reigns http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPFsBWPPu-Q
2.Leviathan Awaits http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-EaVzXvZL0
3.Dismantle the Dictator http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmg3jr7Bhfo