From Bandcamp, “A formidable leap forward in both musical complexity and emotional depth, “Requiem” is a powerful exploration of the human psyche, the ravages of time, and the inevitable descent into oblivion. “Requiem” is at its core, a continuation of OMINOUS RUIN’s first release, “Amidst Voices that Echo in Stone.” The album has nine songs, and the short “Intro” sets the mood. It barely lasts long enough to make an impression, but what I do get is somber and tense tones. “Seeds of Entropy” has a devastatingly heavy and technical prowess, and melodies are buried under the deep aggression. It slows to pause for a few bars, but the aggression returns. “Eternal” is a bit longer, and I am starting to wonder how the band can keep up the level of intensity, which is virtually off the charts. The music is literally packed in here so tight, if you were to uncork it, it would rush through like a swelled body of water bring held back by a dam.

“Bane of Syzygial Triality” is the first song where we get some temporary relief from the raging fires. Clean, somber guitar tones take the song forward, and tension remains in the air like a morning fog refusing to dissipate. “Divergent Anomaly” has cadenced vocals and the guitars shift faster than the mind can comprehend. The chaos is so thick, the wheels are nearly coming off the rocket ship as it seemingly careens into space, but somehow, the band holds all pieces together. “Fractal Abhorrence” features some keyboards as well as some more moments away from the deep intensity, but it is still front and center, like a disease that you just can’t get rid of with conventional medicine. “Architect of Undoing” beings some clean tones that are very dark. From there, it is a raging display of nearly impeccable musicianship.

“Staring into the Abysm” features some dexterous bass noted amidst the tightly controlled guitars and drums, and the band never misses a beat. It is a short ride, but hits like a Mike Tyson uppercut. “Requiem” closes the album, and it’s another brutal and pounding sound that continues to beat you over the head long after you are already dead. The frigid and sterile nature of the music leaves many emotions off the table, and allows the ones they do use to blast through with the force of a hurricane. As I mentioned, their musicianship is off the charts, and their technical prowess is hard to match. If you want a straight up intense, brutal, and punishing listening experience, and one that leaves you disoriented and delirious, look no further.