ALBUM REVIEW: Oxygen Destroyer – Sinister Monstrosities Spawned By the Unfathomable Ignorance of Humankind

Kaiju Death-Thrashers OXYGEN DESTROYER are back with their 2nd album of devastation, out via Redefining Darkness Records and Headsplit Records on August 27th.

Horror samples appropriately start our journey off in a way that summons dread and adrenaline before bestial drums hammer into life with venomous guitar riffs rapidly cascading upon the rolling beats. Instantly, this record bellows forth a monstrous surge of energy that cannot be tamed with ease. The blackened edge of the screamed vocals adds an equally frantic flare to the brutal onslaught with a crushing production to deliver the mayhem with sonically pleasant prowess. Pounding and churning with the high-speed ferocity that we heard on the first album, this is much in the same vein with some excellently Morbid Angel reminiscent solos completing the sound. The technical flourishes in all instrumental sectors are impressive yet not distracting from the overall feel of the music which is apocalyptic in execution. Taking what made the debut strong and reinforcing it here, the musicianship has clearly improved and the band has honed their sound as a whole to triumphant effect.

Obliterating riffs continue to effortlessly seep forth atop a mountainous drum performance with angular lead work constantly jumping up to inject some maniacal energy into the songs before disappearing with as little warning. The vocals are equally sporadic, giving the music a sense of urgency which truly adds to the genuine feelings of horror that the band convey with an onslaught of punishing extremity throughout. Sampling accentuates the horror element while never becoming overindulgent, staying in a momentum that is inescapable and intense while easily to bang heads to. Vitriolic and technical while totally old school, this is a slab of Death-Thrash Metal terror that will satisfy all of those seeking an over-the-top yet not comically gimmick-ridden listen that has the musical ability to deliver the chaotic fury of the Kaiju.

A definite step up from Oxygen Destroyer who have matured their music but not lost any of the core sound nor thematic brilliance of the debut (which was a killer starting point). This album is a seething monstrosity of pure thrashing Death Metal malice that will certainly lay waste with 30 minutes of total armageddon.