Viscera - Obsidian (2020) Hi-Res

From the opening strains of Obsidian the listener is reminded that deathcore as a genre is no longer a creative dead end. Multitudes of new artists continue to push this musical category in varied directions, UK newcomers Viscera being no exception to this new and welcome trend.

Splicing influences of modern tech death and traditional deathcore, Viscera’s blistering new album has a sound reminiscent at times of Within The Ruins. Former frontman of Sylosis Jamie Graham’s bull-throated roars and soaring clean highs coupled with the technical guitaristry of Ross McLennan and Adam Bell push to new territories of creativity and ferocity. Symphonic refrains embellish and accentuate the frantic fretwork, punctuated by hammering breakdowns strafed with Gatling drum beats.

As a whole, Obsidian is delivered in an immaculately produced and engineered package. Precision and attention to detail abound in this slick offering. With the amount of detailed work and effort put into each song, the listener should feel grateful that this effort has been extended to production to ensure every nuance is captured correctly. Chaotic, brutal elements wage war against celestial, orchestral choirs yet neither side overcomes the other. The balance between the two is perfect.