Brutal death metal act Relics of Humanity’s last full-length record Ominously Reigning Upon the Intangible was released over a decade ago (2024 to be precise), though they did release an EP in 2018 as well as a sprinkling of singles in the time between. But they’ve officially returned with Absolute Dismal Domain, a nine-song concept album about the annihilation of light (both spiritually and physically, no less) with a new label in tow (Willowtip). Fans of old school brutal death should buckle up for this one.
The sonic rumblings of Absolute Dismal Domain match the bleak darkness showcased on its cover. While Relics of Humanity have some quickly identifiable characteristics of brutal death metal on display, it’s actually a bit harder to ‘nail’ them with a generic description. The riffing is chaotic and angular, offering a genuine bit of murkiness (as do that ominous low gutturals), and it’s such that it doesn’t keep a straight-forward and simple barbaric tone that brutal death bands aim for. Despite the ’90s-inspired tin can drum blasts, there’s an element of oozing, vile otherworldly-ness when they slow down. “In the Name of Ubiquitous Gloom” aims to drag out firmly out of the light with it’s slow, brooding riffs and dissonant flavors. The blend of technical and visceral makes for a deeper experience as well, with the title track nestling itself into an effective blur of both worlds, maintaining intensity but without causing it all to become an overly noisy and indistinguishable wall of sound. This is probably the album’s greatest strength. As a concept album, it flows but it never bleeds itself too far together. There’s a minimal amount of ‘brutal death blur’ as you move from one end of the album to the next.
Relics of Humanity have found a formula that’s built upon some of the foundations of brutal death metal, but it doesn’t limit itself to just that formula. Instead, bringing in some murky, modern dissonance and atmosphere proves to be a fine addition for added moodiness, without ruining the brutality at hand. Absolute Dismal Domain is sure to find favor with the extreme metal crowd with ease.
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