Infinite Regress, the title track, does a great job of setting the tone of the album. The track builds gradually, a quality which serves to breathe oxygen to the fiery spark of anticipation. The introduction has a slightly unsettling and disorientating feel to it, which is not unappealing.
This is a really strong album vocally. Beheading the Prophets – track 2-opens with a prolonged, guttural growl the ferocity of which most death metal fans will really appreciate. The abrupt screeches from the guitar melt well with the vocals creating this ominous, apocalyptic vibe. Denounced to the Excretion of Posterity is also another track to commit your attention to in respect of vocals.
Dethronement of a Fallen Deity, To Summon Pyriel, and Prelude to Oblivion are my personal favorites. These 3 tracks are aggressive and intrusive and have the ability to cause an almost involuntary pledge of your full attention to the album. Fittingly, Pyriel is the angel of genocide and you may feel like you have a direct line to Pyriel’s anarchic stream of consciousness while listening to this track in particular. These three tracks in particular further sparked my interest in seeing Oncology play live, which is a really good effect to have on a listener. Dethronement of a Fallen Deity, To Summon Pyriel and Prelude to Oblivion really add to the album and bulk it up.
The album concludes dramatically with The Desolation of Hope, delivering the final blow of brutality.
Infinite Regress is undeniable heavy and relentless in its aggression which is often the most celebrated traits of Death Metal. However, while it is aggressive it comes off slightly blunt or monotonous at certain points – I was a bit fatigued after a few spins. While there are definitely some gems throughout the album, there is not a lot of distinction between the tracks and it is not the most accessible. The positives outweigh the negatives, so I would definitely recommend giving the album a chance and making your own mind up. 3/5
Track listing:
Infinite Regress
Infinite Regress
Beheading the Prophets
To Summon Pyriel
Dethronement of a Fallen Deity
Prelude to Oblivion
Ascension of the Parasite
Denounced to the Excretion of Posterity
The Desolation of Hope.
Order you copy of ‘Infinite Regress‘ here.
For more information on Oncology, visit this link here.
ELLEN O’DWYER
© OVERDRIVE.IE 2017
