Greek bangers Phasma offer a very in-your-face brand of aggression as they meld black metal with death metal. They find some grooves along the way, so it is not just relentless pummelling. The vocals range from low gurgles to hiher pitched screams of agony. The songs are held together by Dead Congregation drummer Bill Nanos. The second song has a little more dissonance and melody in equal measure. It is very effective when they let the chords ring out, creating an eerie mood. Though most of the song goes harder with an almost grindcore-like chaos in its unbridled intensity.
They slow things down on the third song and allow room for atmosphere before blasting back at you even faster, though the guitar is played with thrashing technical skill rather than jsut being a blur. It makes me think of Decapitated in this regard. The fourth song is more of a feral blur than the previous song. I can hear where this album would also appeal to fans of deathcore, who are not invested in having to have breakdowns.,
The fifth song blasts by in the bakcground without really demanding my attention, though the last song is much more memorable as it carries more purpose and the riffs have some hook to them. In terms of dynamics, the album is heavy to heavy, but when they do stop and give things room to breathe, it plays in their favor. I will give this album an 8.5, it is intense and well done but needs to let its foot up off the gas a little more. However, if you just want an album that is in your face, then this is the one for you.
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