Progressive metalcore may have weaved its way through the djent spectrum, but Born of Osiris have remained as one of the most talented and consistent of the bunch. The Illinois quintet were responsible for the development of progressive metalcore long before djent infected modern metal, and it’s their consistency that really defines them. They could even be so accused of delving too deep into the technical abyss. However, with the release of sixth album Angel or Alien, an escalating equity has been realised.
What do I mean by equity? Well I am talking about successfully melding the uber technical wizardry, with an increased emphasis on pumping energy and ‘user-friendliness’. That second point I think is worth a special mention. A consistent gripe I have with progressive music is that it’s simply an excuse to make music that is simply impossible to follow along to. When a band does something to remove that barrier to enjoyment – and not simply to appease those guitarists that can rattle off all the modes of the Phrygian minor secular diminished ignominious scale, it comes at a high appreciation from yours truly.
However, all of that would be as useful as cutting your prime steak with a chainsaw if the song quality was not up to scratch. Thankfully, Born of Osiris aren’t capable of writing trash. Poster Child kicks off Angel or Alien with a keyboard arrangement that wouldn’t sound out of place commencing an Amaranthe record. It doesn’t take long however for the aggression to hit with both barrels, and the chuggy, choppy djent rhythms to be on full display.
White Nile turns the aggression up another notch, considerably closer to tech death than the opener. The title track Angel or Alien gives off the eerie Pendulum vibes – exactly as you would expect. It doesn’t take too long to appreciate the effort that has been put in to make this album an easier listen. Comparatively speaking. Whilst this might have the ostentatious core supporters welling up, have no fear. None of that underlying delicious Born of Osiris technical proficiency and (almost) needlessly complicated and over the top rhythm sections are lost.
Of course, if progressive metalcore is not your thing, then Angel or Alien might not be quite as friendly as you would hope. Clocking in at a daunting 55 minutes it demands determined attention to appreciate. This is no casual experience. But in a sea of djent influenced modern metal bands that struggle for any form of identity, Born of Osiris have no issue standing out. Being able to subtly evolve their sound, without losing any of their core identity just confounds the legendary consistency they have earned.
Score: 7/10
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