From Bandcamp, "Cosmic Warfare" is a dark tale of being pulled into a black hole. Although it is not a concept album, all of the songs relate to one another whether played in order or individually." ATAVISTIA is an Epic Melodic Death Metal band from Vancouver, Canada. They explore various forms of metal within their music resulting in a symphonic mix of nature, atmosphere, and technically precise musicianship." The newest album has six songs.

"Omega Nova" is the first. It's a short, mood-setting instrumental. Imagine coming across a black hole in space. By the time you see it, it's probably too late to avoid getting consumed by it and lost forever. The ominous tones in this song tell that tale, along with some nicely placed symphonic elements. "Cosmic Warfare" features a rich and full sound, from machine gun drumming, harsh vocals, and guitars that are so hot, they leave a trail of smoke behind them. The orchestral elements are on full display, occupying much of the space behind the riffs. The lead guitar work is fantastic...this guy can shred, but always follows the melody line.

"Ethereal Wanderer" has another epic and deep sound. The amount of material that the band is able to pack into each song is amazing. The band also show their chops on this song...man these guys are talented. The extended instrumental passage is also very well done...and I get the feeling that this band has been classically trained. "Spectral Rebirth" is a ten-minute banger. Progressive elements pour out of this song, and I am immediately reminded of WINTERSUN here...the kind of band that has epic talent to go along with the grandiose songs. Their sense of balance is also amazing. Although there is a lot going on, the always apply each instrument with a sense of synergy.

"Divine Destruction" is a deep and dark tale of getting trapped in black hole. Both the harsh vocals and clean vocals leave an indelible mark on the listener, and the music is so rich. As it moves along, a sense of doom deepens in your heart. There is no turning back now, and you are left to your fate. Take a listen to the leads in this song...they are stunning. "Forgotten Silence" closes the album. It's a 12-minute opus. The tone in this song is quite depressing. It's akin to what happens after the space vessel is forever lost in the black hole, and the band pushes these emotional elements far into your heart. It's the perfect ending to a poetically just album.

ATAVSISTIA is the Canadian WINTERSUN. This album is both brilliantly composed and performed. The amount of talent that the band has is on a level that I really haven't heard this year. Each note is perfectly placed and the compositions as a whole are meticulous. In another outstanding year for Metal so far, this album rises above nearly everything else that is out there currently, and stands as a model to aim for. But those arrows better be weighed perfectly and gold-tipped, or they will miss their mark. How these guys aren't signed is one of the bigger mysteries in the world of Metal today.