Montreal’s death metal outfit, Phobocosm, returns with their third and potentially final album, “Foreordained.” This ten-track offering dives headfirst into the abyss of death, exploring themes of mortality and the inevitable end with their signature brand of crushing brutality.
A Cohesive Descent into Darkness
“Foreordained” isn’t simply a collection of songs; it’s a cohesive journey. The album flows seamlessly, taking the listener on a harrowing descent into the darkness. Tracks like “Premonition” build a sense of dread with slow, ominous riffs before exploding into chaotic blast beats. The melancholic guitar leads in “Withered Aeons” provide a brief respite before the album plunges back into sonic annihilation.
The band’s songwriting is masterful. Each track feels meticulously crafted, with intricate guitar work weaving through pummeling drum assaults. Vocals by Mathieu Lavoie are a guttural force of nature, perfectly conveying the album’s themes of despair and existential dread.
Production Designed to Suffocate
The production on “Foreordained” deserves special mention. The album isn’t sterile or overly polished; instead, it boasts a raw and organic sound that perfectly complements the music’s bleak atmosphere. The guitars have a satisfying crunch, the drums sound appropriately cavernous, and the vocals sit right in the mix, ensuring maximum impact. This production aesthetic creates a suffocating atmosphere, further immersing the listener in the album’s oppressive world.
Not for the Faint of Heart
“Foreordained” is not an album for casual listeners. This is a brutal and uncompromising record that demands your full attention. The relentless pace, punishing riffs, and bleak atmosphere make it a challenging listen, but for those seeking an authentic and punishing death metal experience, it is a rewarding one.
A Fitting Conclusion to a Trilogy
As the final chapter in Phobocosm’s self-proclaimed trilogy, “Foreordained” delivers a powerful conclusion. It builds upon the foundation laid by their previous albums, “Deprived” (2014) and “Bringer of Drought” (2018), showcasing a band that has honed their craft to razor-sharp perfection.
Final Verdict
“Foreordained” is a masterclass in modern death metal. It’s a crushing, atmospheric, and undeniably well-written record that will leave a lasting impression on listeners. Whether this is truly the band’s final chapter remains to be seen, but with “Foreordained,” Phobocosm has cemented their place as a force to be reckoned with in the genre.
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