Engulf's latest offering, The Dying Planet Weeps, is a cosmic journey through the realms of death metal, skillfully crafted by the one-man force, Hal Microutsicos. Following three well-received EPs, Engulf steps into the spotlight with its first full-length album, delivering a brutal and dark sonic experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional death metal.
Drawing inspiration from the forefathers of genre, Engulf's The Dying Planet Weeps pays homage to iconic bands such as Hate Eternal, early Gorguts, early Decapitated, Morbid Angel, and Pestilence. The album skillfully weaves together the brutal, technical, and modern aspects of the genre, creating a sonic tapestry that caters to a diverse audience within the death metal spectrum. Nods to the influential pioneers are evident, yet Engulf fearlessly incorporates contemporary dissonant elements reminiscent of Ulcerate, adding a layer of complexity to the overall sound.
From the opening track, "Withered Suns Collapse," the album sets the stage with a dirge-like intro that quickly unfolds into a pummeling, nasty groove, showcasing Engulf's ability to seamlessly blend modern, progressive death metal with a more old-school riff-tastic approach. The track features catchy riffs, blasting drums, and a Chuck Schuldiner (Death)-esque, raspy vocal performance, setting the tone for the sonic journey ahead.
As the album progresses, the listener is treated to a diverse sonic landscape. "Nefarious Hive" introduces chugging, elephants marching-style riffs, accompanied by guest vocals from Sven de Caluwé (Aborted). The track evolves into an ugly, dissonant death metal assault, seamlessly transitioning into the aptly named "Ominous Grandeur." Here, the listener is plunged into a world of discordance, eventually emerging into a more cavernous, sludge-y sound.
The momentum doesn't waver on "Lunar Scourge," where vile, old-school death metal riffs are scattered throughout, culminating in a headbanging-inducing climax. The album's title track, "The Dying Planet Weeps," serves as a showcase of Engulf's ability to merge melody and dissonance into a purely instrumental piece, providing a moment of reflective respite from the planetary destruction that unfolded in the preceding tracks.
Throughout the album, guest appearances from notable figures like Pat Bonvin (Near Death Condition) and Enrico "H." Di Lorenzo (Hideous Divinity) add depth and diversity to Engulf's sonic palette. "Plagued Oblivion" stands out as a moment where programmed drums take center stage, highlighting Engulf's position in the top tier of one-person extreme metal acts.
As the album concludes with "Earthbore," the listener is treated to a wonderful blur of disparate death metal strains, embodying death metal's freakier possibilities. The dourly serene, instrumental title track provides a fittingly reflective end to this debut masterpiece.
In a genre saturated with choices, The Dying Planet Weeps distinguishes itself through its originality, mischievously defying easy categorization. Engulf's fusion of old-school grime, technical prowess, and touches of psychedelic chaos creates an album that stands out as a potential future classic. As the war for extreme metal greatness rages on, Engulf's debut asserts its dominance, offering a formidable contender for the throne and setting the stage for an exciting future in the death metal realm.
For full tracks and merch links, visit Engulf's Bandcamp page via Everlasting Spew Records here.
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