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 is it a relentless, bloody ordeal?
The Brutal Beatdown
Vertiginous, with their debut Reek of Putrefaction, has set the stage for a brutal journey. Incessant Affliction continues this theme, with each track a relentless, teeth-rattling clatter. The album opens with 'Suffering, Misery, and Slaughtering', a brutal onslaught with tortured vocals, snare abuse, and lawless stringed onslaught. It's a perfect introduction to the album's relentless nature.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the musical diversity within the brutal framework. Vertiginous draws inspiration from early Suffocation, Devourment, and Cannibal Corpse, creating a unique blend of brutal death metal. The production is exceptional, pushing every element to the fore, creating a calculated bludgeon rather than a glossy mix. This attention to detail adds depth to the sonic concussion, making each track a distinct, yet interconnected, part of the album's narrative.
However, one thing that immediately stands out is the lack of distinction between songs. The album's pace mostly accelerates, but there are brief respites in the form of 'Suffering, Misery, and Slaughtering', 'Engraved Loathing', and 'Unclear Misery'. These moments provide a welcome break from the relentless assault, but they don't quite stand out enough to create a memorable peak. In my opinion, this similarity between tracks undercuts the album's overall impact, making it difficult to differentiate one song from the next.
The Technical Mastery
Vertiginous' technical prowess is evident in the performances. Jossi Bima's frog-stomping gutturals are a force to be reckoned with, churning guts and bowels with seismic malevolence. Hendika Dwi Prasetyo's drumming is equally impressive, with clangorous beats that drive the album forward. The guitars are chaotic and deadly, but a more focused effort on riff development would help solidify the identities of individual songs. The bass, while not prominent, adds a refreshing dimension when it's most audible, creating a unique, Alex Webster-inspired flourish.
The Verdict
Despite the knocks against Incessant Affliction, it's a powerful addition to the brutal death metal genre. Vertiginous has crafted an album that roars with delicious menace, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of its peers. The production, performances, and musical diversity make it a compelling listen, even if the lack of distinction between songs hampers its overall impact. Personally, I think it's a solid effort that showcases the duo's potential, and I'm eager to see what they cook up next.
Rating: Mixed
In my opinion, Incessant Affliction is a brutal, relentless journey that showcases the raw power of death metal. While it may not be as contagious as hoped, it's a disease worth catching for fans of the genre. Vertiginous has delivered a potent batch of death metal, and I'm curious to see what they do next.
