The Odious Construct - Shrine of the Obscene (2018)

With big name bands like Obscura and Beyond Creation unleashing Progressive/Technical Death Metal masterpieces this year, it is quite refreshing to hear more underground bands like The Odious Construct take inspiration from them and release a killer EP of their own. With “Shrine of the Obscene” this band from Sacramento, California delivers five expertly crafted tracks that are quite atmospheric and technically proficient. For a band formed in 2015, they are certainly firing on all cylinders in this brilliant release.

Opening with a dreamy passage on “Vortex of Self”, the band quickly sets up a hectic mood filled with subtle technical details and trippy atmospheric keyboards. As the album’s introduction to the band, this song could not be more awesome and expertly crafted. Going into “Descension”, the keyboards nicely frame the massive drumming and the cool tempo changes in this track. Keeping the intensity going thanks to crushing vocals and very well crafted guitar passages, this track certainly shows that the opener was no fluke.

Showcasing their Death Metal roots, “They Came Through the Mirrors” delivers crunchy riffs and old-school passages mixed in between some experimental jazziness and the hyperfast Progressive/Technical DM elements that are standard for the genre. Reminding us a bit of Fleshgod Apocalypse, the dramatic “Cyanide Eyes” is one hell of a song full of playful passages and straight up brutality. Definitely the highlight of this EP.

Closing with more dramatic keyboards in “Shrine of the Obscene”, the band leaves on a very high note as it continues to showcase their musical craftiness and skill. Overall, The Odious Construct has managed to unleash one hell of a EP that will surely catch the attention of labels and music lovers worldwide. If you are a fan of bands like Obscura, Beyond Creation and Fleshgod Apocalypse as well, this release is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Label: The Artisan Era

Release: October 12th, 2018

Genre: Technical/Progressive Death Metal

Country: USA