Labels: New Standard Elite
Formats: CD/Digital
Release Date: 27 May 2024
Tracklist:
1. Opprobrium Transmogrification
2. Reanimation Of Mechanical Flesh Through Cybernetic Enslavement
Californian brutal death metal quintet Virologist have been on a bit of a wild ride over the last twelve months or so. Having self-released their Promo 2023 demo last July on both cd and digital formats, they came to the attention of Indonesian death metal label Brutal Mind, who also pressed it on . Fast-forward a year and their newest EP Ameliorating Vicissitudes has been released on cd via US brutal/tech death bastion New Standard Elite. The fact that NSE elected to sign Virologist and release this two-track EP off the back of just a demo suggests that there's much more to come from these guys.
Today is a significant day for me as it marks my first cup of proper coffee in well over five years. I stopped drinking coffee because it (instant coffee to be more precise) was giving me the shakes and palpitations. I cleaned and fired up my coffee machine today and despite the noise it created after laying dormant for so long, I took a chance. It might help with my productivity but also I might regret it later on.
Anyway, none of the above has anything to do with this review other than to frame why it may be a bit all over the place. This EP’s first song ‘Opprobrium Transmogrification’ is an incredibly technical take on brutal death metal, albeit with the requisite pig-squeals. I love the attention and detail that’s put into the instrumentation on this release but, as with the majority of similar sounding records, the vocals make me switch off slightly.
Virologist’s second song ‘Reanimation Of Mechanical Flesh Through Cybernetic Enslavement’ is slightly longer than the EP and follows in exactly the same vein. If they were to release an instrumental version of this EP I’d be all over it! With that being said though, I’m not a fan of being disrespectful to bands. Virologist know exactly what they’re going for sound-wise and deserve huge respect for it.
As a sign of what’s to come, this EP is a really good listen. It contains details that might take a few listens to truly appreciate. While I gravitate towards the slower/murkier/old-school side of death metal, I can appreciate the work and love that has gone into these tracks. You can forget about Elon Musk micro-dosing on Ketamine to help him focus, a bit of coffee is all that’s needed.
You can stream and purchase this EP digitally via New Standard Elite below:-
You can grab cd copies from Virologist here - https://virologist.bandcamp.com/album/ameliorating-vicissitudes
Virologist - https://www.facebook.com/virologistband
New Standard Elite - https://www.facebook.com/@NewStandardElite
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