Orbit Culture is making big waves in the contemporary Metal scene. This Swedish quartet started out a decade ago and there is a groundswell of rumblings that they could be one of the next hottest acts in the genre. Their rare and remarkable talent would absolutely deserve such recognition. Even in their earlier years, they went over and above the traditional melodeath elements by supplementing them with more fervid aptitude. Now they are preparing to release their fourth full-length album, Descent (Seek & Strike Records) and these savvy Swedes have taken their dynamically different drive to new heights by creating songs laden with more fortitude and technicalities.

The opening number is a short, suspenseful piece that is passionately charged. It is a perfect introduction to pump up the listener for the hard-hitting raucous to come. The guitars have thick tones that powerfully pierce the senses as they unleash an alluring bombasticness on the second track, ‘Black Mountain’. The synth usage adds a dramatic texture to the already crunchy capability of the emblazoned strings. Each instrument pulses with an earnest commotion and every song knows how to escalate with a hysteric rage leaving one in a dazzling dream of devilish distortion. 

Influences like Gojira can be heard on ‘Sorrower’ and ‘Undercity’. The chugs and catchy choruses ring out with a fantastic frenzy. The vocals of Niklas Karlsson are unmatched with his ability to provide delicate cleans, a raspy rocker’s tone, and vicious screaming. His versatility provides a massive emotional range and his capacity to conjure such skillful singing contributes to the band’s one-of-a-kind art. 

Everything heats up when you hit the middle of the album with ‘Vultures of the North’ and ‘Alienated’. The groovy guitars leap from juicy and thick to lean and mean. The speed and severity are highlighted by Christopher Wallerstedt’s ferocity on the drums. This band knows how to capture chaos and cultivate it with extraordinary pluck.  They are merciless in their heartfelt harshness while Karlsson’s frighteningly fantastic growls pleasantly punch you in the gut with fortitude, articulation, and grit. 

The album ends on an emotional note with ‘Through Time’. This tamer, angsty piece is more introspective and allows the listener a moment to cool down and recoup from the heavy explorations they just went through on the previous nine numbers. 

The real beauty of this record is in the details. From the finesse of the bottom end to the intricate string work to the subtle synths of brass, voices, organ, and more. The electronic elements are a bit of blush that highlights the face of the band’s aggressiveness and creativity. This remarkable record confirms that Orbit Culture is ready to take its place as one of the hottest acts in the genre by far.

Buy the album here:

https://orbitculture.bandcamp.com/album/descent

8 / 10
RAGIN ROSIE