OBBROBRIUS - Usurped

'Leviathan's Cage' wastes absolutely no time, launching straight into heavily distorted guitar riffs, sinister growls and rapid-fire drumming. The vocals possess an almost primal intensity, cutting through the instrumentation with commanding aggression. The composition maintains a powerful momentum, driven by its uncompromising heaviness and relentless rhythmic attack. Towards the end, an impressive guitar solo introduces a welcome melodic element, although I initially find it lacking some of the devastating force the surrounding instrumentation suggests. Thankfully, the band quickly makes up for it with a crushing follow-up passage that delivers precisely the intensity I was hoping for. A fierce and thoroughly convincing opener that sets the tone for what lies ahead.

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'Demoniac Illusion' takes a more measured approach, gradually building momentum through cymbal-driven drumming and melodic guitar riffs. As the tempo increases, a perfectly executed blegh adds another layer of aggression. The deep, sinister vocals dominate the composition with confidence and purpose, while the instrumentation delivers considerable force. Particularly enjoyable is the interplay between melodic guitar work and relentless drumming, allowing the intensity to develop naturally without sacrificing the underlying groove. A powerful demonstration of OBBROBRIUS' ability to balance rhythmic precision with uncompromising death metal aggression.

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'As Angels Fall' opens with a rather doom-laden atmosphere before a wonderfully prominent, gnarly bass line takes centre stage, accompanied by crushing guitar riffs and thunderous drumming. Although the vocals retain their characteristic brutality, they adopt a more narrative approach, giving the composition a slightly different character. The powerful interplay between bass, guitars and drums creates an irresistible groove, making it almost impossible to resist banging your head. With its commanding rhythms and infectious heaviness, ‘As Angels Fall’ feels particularly suited to a live setting, where its sheer force would undoubtedly get heads moving. 

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'Chronic Sickness' delivers an immense groove, driven by powerful guitar riffs and demanding drumming. As the album progresses, the compositions seem to grow increasingly devastating and sinister, almost as though the listener is being dragged deeper into the depths of madness, and I absolutely love that sensation. Particularly effective is the brief momentum build-up during the bridge, creating an unsettling feeling of anticipation, as though something dangerous is lurking just around the corner. Moments later, the band unleashes another wave of uncompromising ferocity, making the contrast all the more satisfying. A crushing composition that perfectly captures the album's increasingly oppressive atmosphere.

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'My Dismembered Soul' follows the album's established direction, combining considerable speed with a healthy dose of groove. Powerful instrumentation and relentlessly brutal vocals work together remarkably well, creating an aggressive yet engaging composition. A particular highlight is the sharp staccato riffing, which introduces an additional rhythmic layer and gives the arrangement greater depth. Equally effective are the stomping passages and the wonderfully filthy vocal delivery, reinforcing the song's uncompromising character. Although the overall approach feels familiar by now, these details provide enough variety to keep the composition thoroughly enjoyable.

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Closing the album is the title track, 'Usurped', and what a finale it delivers! The composition practically reeks of darkness, fear and pain, brought to life through sinister instrumentation and suffocating melodies. Particularly striking is the guitar work, creating an almost claustrophobic sensation, as though the walls are slowly closing in around the listener. The explosive solos provide moments of remarkable intensity, yet even these retain a slightly unhinged, sinister undertone that reinforces the oppressive atmosphere. Rather than offering any sense of relief, 'Usurped' embraces the darkness completely, bringing the album's descent into psychological turmoil to a powerful and unsettling conclusion. 

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With Usurped, OBBROBRIUS deliver a crushing combination of groove and death metal, demonstrating impressive musicianship and a strong sense of atmosphere. Powerful guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, wonderfully prominent bass lines and ferocious vocals create an album that grows increasingly sinister as it progresses. Particularly enjoyable is the interplay between relentless aggression and infectious grooves, while darker melodic passages add an unsettling psychological dimension. However, despite some clever rhythmic variations and explosive guitar solos, several compositions follow a rather familiar formula, occasionally limiting their individuality. Nevertheless, Usurped remains a powerful and thoroughly enjoyable release that successfully transforms its exploration of madness and despair into an intense listening experience.

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SCORE 8/10

REVIEWED BY SWAMPY