Hailing from Chile, death metal outfit Blood Oath unleashes a whirlwind of fury on their debut album, “Lost in an Eternal Silence.” This record is a relentless assault on the senses, a throwback to the genre’s early days while still offering enough twists to keep things interesting.
Track-by-Track Decimation:
- Beyond the Dimensional Gates: A brief but impactful intro sets the tone. Ominous chords and a slow build erupt into a blast of double bass drumming, giving way to the band’s signature shredding.
- Sanctuary of Souls: This track throws everything but the kitchen sink at the listener. Breakneck drumming, tremolo picked guitars, and soaring guitar solos create a whirlwind of technical brutality. Pay attention to the bass line here, it weaves a surprisingly melodic counterpoint amidst the chaos.
- Fateful Existence: Slayer influences shine through here, with thrashy riffs and pummeling drums driving the song forward. The vocals are a guttural roar, perfectly complementing the band’s aggressive sound.
- Whispers in the Abyss: A brief instrumental interlude provides a moment of respite, showcasing the band’s ability to build atmosphere before unleashing the sonic maelstrom once more.
- The Everlasting Lie: This track is a masterclass in technical death metal. The riffs are complex and intricate, the drumming is lightning fast, and the solos are mind-bending. Yet, amidst the technicality, there’s a sense of melody that keeps the listener engaged.
- Gates of Extinction: The brutality continues here, but with a touch of groove in the riffing. The tempo slows down slightly, allowing the listener to headbang along without getting whiplash.
- Inhale the Void: Another instrumental interlude, this time filled with a sense of dread and foreboding. Distorted guitars and eerie soundscapes create a chilling atmosphere.
- Lost in an Eternal Silence (Title Track): The album’s closer is a fitting end. It revisits all the elements that make Blood Oath great: technical proficiency, relentless aggression, and a touch of melody. The final note fades out, leaving the listener in a state of sonic shock.
Verdict: 4.5 out of 5
“Lost in an Eternal Silence” is a triumphant debut for Blood Oath. The album is a non-stop barrage of technical death metal with enough variety to keep things interesting. While the focus is clearly on brutality, there are moments of surprising melody and atmosphere. Fans of old-school death metal will find much to love here, and those who appreciate technical proficiency will be blown away. This is a band to keep an eye on, and their debut album is a future classic of the genre.
The only minor drawback is that the relentless aggression might be a bit much for some listeners. However, for those who crave pure sonic brutality, “Lost in an Eternal Silence” delivers in spades.
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