Spanish outfit Altarage returns with their sixth full-length album, “Worst Case Scenario,” a fitting title for a record that plunges the listener into a sonic abyss of despair and existential dread. Released in 2023 on Doomentia Records, the album showcases the band’s mastery of crafting unsettling atmospheres and bone-crushing heaviness.
“Worst Case Scenario” is a departure from some of Altarage’s previous works, opting for a more concise and focused approach. This leaner direction proves to be a success, as the album wastes no time in establishing its suffocating atmosphere. Opener “Enigma Signals” sets the tone with a disorienting guitar line and a sense of impending doom that permeates the entire record. The band seamlessly blends influences from death metal, dark ambient, and industrial music, creating a soundscape that is both punishing and strangely hypnotic.
Altarage’s music has always been characterized by its bleakness, but “Worst Case Scenario” takes it to a new level. Tracks like “Gift of Awakening” are exercises in sonic brutality, with crushing riffs, guttural vocals, and relentless drumming that pummel the senses. However, amidst the oppressive atmosphere, moments of unsettling beauty emerge. The melancholic lead guitar lines in “The Rigid Subject” offer a brief respite from the onslaught, only to be swallowed whole by the crushing riffs that follow.
The album’s strength lies in its ability to create a truly immersive experience. The production is raw and organic, perfectly capturing the band’s live intensity. The low-end is particularly punishing, creating a thick and suffocating atmosphere that feels like it’s closing in on the listener.
While “Worst Case Scenario” is a rewarding listen for fans of extreme metal, it may not be for everyone. The unrelenting bleakness and abrasive soundscapes can be a challenging listen. However, for those seeking a truly harrowing musical experience, Altarage delivers in spades.
Highlights:
- “Enigma Signals”: A disorienting and atmospheric opener that sets the tone for the album.
- “Gift of Awakening”: A crushing display of Altarage’s sonic brutality.
- “The Rigid Subject”: A track that balances aggression with moments of melancholic beauty.
Score: 8.8/10
Recommended for fans of: Portal, Ulcerate, Godflesh, Neurosis
Note: This album may not be suitable for casual listeners due to its extreme nature.
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