As English isn't my first language, I am the first to acknowledge that my grasp of it is quite good, but not brilliant. Which is why short song titles always make me happy. Well, just look at the songtitles that the Seattle Death Metal band OXYGEN DESTROYER uses on “Guardian of the Universe”. But when I look in the Metal Archives, I find that they have been doing this for all ten years the band has been in existence. It makes for very interesting reading when you go through the lyrics, and I can only admoit to having to have to use a dictionary from time to time. At least OXYGEN DESTROYER can claim that they are assisting me in broadening my knowledge of the fine English language.

Even in this short space of time, and with COVID having wrecked the timelines for some years, the band can boast that “Guardian of the Universe” is their third full length studio album. And I have to say, OXYGEN DESTROYER space them apart quite evenly. Their debut “Bestial Manifestations Of Malevolence And Death” was released in 2018. Three years later, in 2021, they brought us their sophomore album “Sinister Monstrosities Spawned By The Unfathomable Ignorance Of Mankind”. And now, another three years after that one they bring us “Guardian of the Universe”. Thankfully this one has the shortest title.

As for the kind of Death Metal they are playing. You have fast, faster and hyperspeed. Well, OXYGEN DESTROYER is set right in between the latter two. Let me rephrase that; if a band like DEATH or MORBID ANGEL would have recorded “Guardian of the Universe”, the album would have lasted some 50 minutes. Now it barely reaches 33 minutes. But what surprises me most is the high level at which these guys are able to put everything together. It all makes sense, it all fits and it all sounds bloody good. I am not known for my love of extremely fast music, but I have to admit that I am liking this very, very much!

The musicians are outstanding, as every hit of the drums is distinguishable, every note played in the riffs is recognisable and the voice of band leader Lord Kaiju makes it all fit together. Yes, I know I left out the bass, but once you have a good listen you will hear that he plays exactly where he needs to, making him nigh on invisible. Just put on your headphones, and you will hear that OXYGEN DESTROYER really uses a bass player. All this together make me rate “Guardian of the Universe” just that bit higher than I initially intended.