DESTRUCTION OF THE HEALER – A UNIVERSE BEREAVED

Opening the album, the previously released single 'Sekhmet' immediately establishes an ominous atmosphere. What initially resembles white noise or pouring rain is soon joined by clean guitar melodies, slow, brooding drums, and a thick bass line before deep growls announce the arrival of the vocals. Moments later, all hell breaks loose as uncompromising distorted riffs and relentless drumming take over. The interplay between cavernous growls, snarls, and piercing screams adds impressive depth to the vocal performance, making 'Sekhmet' a powerful introduction to the album.

‍

'Immortal Bride' wastes no time, erupting into a whirlwind of high energy and controlled chaos that barely gives the listener a chance to breathe. The vocals hit like gunshots, while a crushing backbone riff and relentless drumming drive the track forward with unwavering intensity. At times the sheer aggression borders on overwhelming, but that is precisely what makes the song so effective—pure fury transformed into music.

‍

The same fury continues with 'Necrosignature', where a devastating, crushing riff immediately gives way to wild cymbal work and a throaty, venomous vocal delivery. The song is relentless in its aggression, making the transition into the following Interlude all the more striking. Clean guitars, subtle classical elements, and an eerie melody replace the chaos, creating a brief moment of calm before the album moves forward once again. It is an effective change of pace that demonstrates the band's willingness to let atmosphere complement brutality.

‍

'The Truth, The Dream, And The Lie' wastes no time bringing back the relentless brutality that defines the album. Ferocious screams and cavernous growls intertwine effortlessly, while crushing riffs and relentless drumming maintain the song's uncompromising intensity. It is the kind of track that seems destined for the live stage, where its explosive energy would undoubtedly ignite a wild mosh pit. 

'The Great Dying' presents a different side of the album, opening with elaborate classical arrangements featuring dark string instrumentation, including the unmistakable presence of a haunting cello. The moment the drums emerge, however, the aggression returns in full force, accompanied by a ferocious vocal performance. The song quickly settles into a fast-paced and merciless assault, while a well-executed guitar solo provides an additional melodic highlight before leading seamlessly into the album's final stretch.

‍

Closing the album, 'Ad Astra, Amata' opens with calm, melodic guitar lines and restrained drumming before elaborate, almost cinematic melodies take center stage. The tranquility is short-lived, however, as the album's trademark aggression returns through crushing riffs, a thick bass, relentless drumming, and the darkest vocal performance on the record. A brief passage of haunting melodies and whispered, hissing vocals offers one final contrast before the song erupts into a powerful and fitting conclusion.

‍

With "A Universe Bereaved", DESTRUCTION OF THE HEALER delivers an uncompromising display of modern death metal that successfully balances crushing aggression with memorable melodies and atmospheric depth. Dynamic songwriting, exceptional musicianship, and an outstanding vocal performance make every track feel purposeful, resulting in an album that remains relentlessly engaging from beginning to end.

‍

SCORE 8.5/10

REVIEWED BY SWAMPY