One thing y’all need to know about yours truly. Transcending Obscurity Records is my absolute favorite label on Earth. I have been so fortunate as to be able to not only hear a metric ton of crushing albums, but in many instances write a glowing review of said records. And while I can’t review everything, I damn sure try! Which brings me to the latest heavy and brutalizing record, Shrine of Denial and their new offering, I, Moloch. Hailing from Turkey these guys will put your brains through the rinse cycle with a quickness.
Hell, the opening salvo of “Climbing Through Nothingness” into “A Sanctuary In the Depths of the Realms” is proof positive of that. I mean, my head was spinning and we’re only two of eight tunes in! The guitar duo of Onur Uslu and Denizkaan Aracı pack a lunch of meaty riffs guaranteed to satisfy even the most metal of appetites. And let’s talk about that vocalist, Eray Nabi . His meaty style definitely had me ducking for cover, but in a good way. So I was onboard in seconds. But my absolute favorite track has to be “Pillars of Ice” with Ahmet Ünveren (bass) and Berk Köktürk (drums)on a strafing run for the ages.
Now, “The Mesmer” was another instant winner because the band just sounds locked in and ready to fight, something I always live. “Oneiros” gave me a nice combo vibe of the old days with a modern feel, so to that I’ll applaud the guys highly. “Headless Idol” is tailor made for someone like me, all fists flyin’ and bodies goin’ everywhere. Once again, we have a killer record from Transcending Obscurity, and I dunno about you, but I’ll be blasting this one for a long while!
Standout Tracks: “Headless Idol” “Oneiros”, “The Mesmer”, “Pillars of Ice”.