Montréal’s death metal outfit, Phobocosm, returns with a vengeance on their 2023 release, “Foreordained.” This aptly titled album serves as the culmination of a trilogy, showcasing a band at the peak of their powers and delivering a masterclass in crushing brutality.
“Foreordained” isn’t for the faint of heart. From the opening riffs of the first track, the album pummels the listener with a relentless onslaught of down-tuned guitars, guttural vocals, and punishing blast beats. Reviewers at Angry Metal Guy describe it perfectly, calling it “scuzzy caverncore that vomits all over your carefully curated year-end lists” [2]. This isn’t a bad thing, mind you. For fans of pure, unadulterated death metal, “Foreordained” is a sonic feast.
But Phobocosm are more than just bludgeoning riffs. Beneath the surface of the sonic assault lies a surprising amount of depth and atmosphere. The band incorporates elements of doom metal, creating moments of crushing despair alongside the breakneck tempos. Songs like “Premonition” unfold slowly, building tension with ominous melodies and chilling atmospherics before exploding into a maelstrom of violence ([1]).
The songwriting on “Foreordained” is impressive. While the album leans heavily on its brutal side, Phobocosm understands the importance of dynamics. They weave moments of slower tempos and eerie soundscapes into the fabric of their music, keeping the listener engaged throughout the album’s 41-minute runtime. Some reviewers have noted that some tracks could benefit from slight trimming, but the overall pacing remains consistently effective ([2]).
The production on “Foreordained” is appropriately murky and thick, perfectly capturing the oppressive atmosphere of the music. Every instrument is audible, but the focus remains on the crushing guitars and pummeling drums. The vocals deserve special mention. Vocalist Mathieu Lavoie delivers a monstrous performance, his guttural growls perfectly complementing the music’s intensity.
“Foreordained” might not be the most accessible album, but for those who crave pure death metal devastation, it’s a masterpiece. Phobocosm delivers a relentless onslaught of brutality, atmosphere, and impressive songwriting, making “Foreordained” a must-listen for fans of the genre.
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