Incessant Affliction: A Brutal Death Metal Odyssey
Vertiginous, an Indonesian duo, has unleashed their sophomore album, Incessant Affliction, upon the world of brutal death metal. This album is a relentless assault on the senses, a true testament to the genre's raw and unapologetic nature. But does it deliver an infectiously good time or leave listeners in a state of collective misery?
A Brutal Welcome
Vertiginous opens the album with "Suffering, Misery, and Slaughtering," a track that immediately sets the tone for the entire record. The song is a barrage of tortured vocals, relentless drumming, and chaotic guitar riffs, creating an atmosphere of pure, unadulterated brutality. It's a welcome introduction to the band's style, which draws comparisons to early Suffocation and the brutal death metal giants, Devourment and Cannibal Corpse. The production is raw and powerful, pushing every element to the forefront, and the result is a sonic concussion that hits hard and leaves a lasting impression.
A Lack of Variety
However, one of the album's main drawbacks is the lack of variety. The songs, while intense and well-executed, tend to blend together. The relentless pace and similar structures make it difficult to differentiate one track from the next. This is a common issue in brutal death metal, where the genre's focus on aggression and speed can sometimes lead to a homogenized sound. Vertiginous, unfortunately, falls victim to this, and the result is an album that, while impressive in its intensity, lacks the memorable moments that truly stand out.
Production and Performance
Despite the lack of variety, the production and performances on Incessant Affliction are top-notch. The album's mix is carefully honed, ensuring that every element is audible and contributes to the overall brutality. The drumming, handled by Hendika Dwi Prasetyo, is particularly impressive, with a clangorous style that adds to the album's overall intensity. Jossi Bima's vocals, a frog-stomping guttural style, are equally powerful and add a layer of depth to the music. The guitars, while chaotic and deadly, could benefit from more focused riff development, which would help solidify the identities of individual songs.
A Mixed Bag
Incessant Affliction is a mixed bag. On one hand, it is a brutal and intense album that showcases Vertiginous' skill and passion for the genre. The production and performances are excellent, and the album's overall menace is delicious. But the lack of variety and the homogenized sound make it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the experience. It's an album that, while impressive, leaves a bit of a sour taste in the mouth, leaving listeners wanting more variety and memorable moments.
A Look Ahead
Despite the mixed feelings, Vertiginous has certainly delivered a potent batch of death metal with Incessant Affliction. The band's unrestrained brutality is a refreshing take on the genre, and their passion is evident throughout the album. While it may not be an album that stays with you for long, it is a solid addition to the brutal death metal scene, and fans of the genre will undoubtedly appreciate its raw and unapologetic nature. So, while Incessant Affliction may not be the most contagious album, it is a disease worth catching for those who crave the raw and unfiltered experience of brutal death metal.
Rating: Mixed
In my opinion, Incessant Affliction is a solid album that showcases Vertiginous' skill and passion for brutal death metal. While it may not be an album that stays with you for long, it is a refreshing take on the genre and a testament to the raw and unapologetic nature of brutal death metal. Personally, I think that the lack of variety is a missed opportunity, but the album's overall intensity and production make it a worthwhile listen for fans of the genre. From my perspective, Incessant Affliction is a brutal and intense journey that showcases Vertiginous' talent and leaves a lasting impression on the brutal death metal landscape.
