Apogean's sophomore album, Waste Where Life Begins, falls short of the high standards set by their debut, Cyberstrictive. The band's attempt to broaden their sound, incorporating elements of deathcore and blackened death, feels like a step back. While Apogean's talent is undeniable, the album's disjointed sequencing and repetitive songcraft make it feel rushed and unfocused. Despite strong performances from vocalist Mac Smith and drummer Doug Noel, the overall sound is a departure from the energetic and memorable songwriting that defined Cyberstrictive. This shift in style, coupled with the band's lineup changes, has resulted in a disappointing follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut. Apogean's future success will depend on their ability to recapture the essence of Cyberstrictive and find a balance between their new and old sounds.
