When it comes to brutal death metal, there's a fine line between captivating listeners and beating them into submission. Vertiginous, an Indonesian duo, embraces this extreme with their latest release, “Incessant Affliction”. From the get-go, it's a relentless assault on the senses, leaving one to wonder if it's a masterpiece or a merciless punishment.
“Incessant Affliction” opens with a track that sets the tone: “Suffering, Misery, and Slaughtering”. It's a brutal, unyielding onslaught of sound, with vocals that sound like they're being tortured. The album maintains this intensity, drawing comparisons to death metal pioneers like Suffocation and Cannibal Corpse. Yet, amidst the chaos, there are moments of respite, like the quick, lurching breaks in “Engraved Loathing” and “Unclear Misery”, which provide a brief escape from the relentless pounding.
However, the album's biggest flaw is its lack of variation. While the production and performances are commendable, with a calculated bludgeoning effect and Bima's guttural vocals that shake your core, the songs blend together. It's a challenge to distinguish one track from another, and this homogeneity undermines the overall impact. Despite this, the band's choice of production and the raw, unfiltered sound create an appropriate atmosphere for the genre.
“Incessant Affliction” showcases some clever tricks and venomous riffs, but it's the album's overall sameness that leaves a bitter taste. While I appreciate the band's brand of unrestrained brutality, the lack of differentiation between songs makes it hard to fully embrace. It's a mixed bag, and one that might leave fans of the genre wanting more. Personally, I think it's an intriguing release, but it could have benefited from a bit more variety to truly stand out.
In my opinion, Vertiginous has the potential to create something truly unique with their brand of brutal death metal. This album is a step in the right direction, but it's a journey that needs refinement. I'd love to see them explore new dimensions and push the boundaries further, creating an experience that truly leaves a lasting impression.
