Metal Underground.com

Technical death metal is a genre that has delivered both classic records and some forgettable flops over the years. Though being a key factor in the birth of deathcore, the genre is typically known for top tier quality and sheer brutality and such is the case with Kosmophobia’s self-titled debut. With the album’s flawless combination of death metal ferocity and incredible musicianship it’s safe to say that Kosmophobia’s debut is the best death metal record released this year, and also one of the best this reviewer has ever heard. All from an unsigned band you never heard of before.

Like a mutation in the sounds of Origin, The Faceless, Augury, and Obscura, Kosmophobia unleash a six track EP that destroys everything in its path. While extremely technical, the songs never seem disjointed and they maintain their aggressive focus from the first track to the last. After the short intro “Aeons” passes by, “Conspiracy” bombards the listener with an epic build up into death metal fury. Starting out mid-pace, it isn’t long until the blast beats and speedy riffing attack the ears and captivate the mind with numerous touches of guitar virtuosity. While the five actual songs that make up this EP never vary much from one another, the quality of these compositions never falls below excellent. “Universe At Dusk” and “Eye of the Twins” are absolutely mind blowing and deliver the perfect solution to death metal mediocrity. Complex riffing lays the foundation for these songs and allows this Swiss four piece to create a masterpiece.

What sets Kosmophobia apart from all of the other bands out there is the addition of the brilliantly executed synthesizers. The synths only help to make each track so much better, adding a fantastic layer of sound to an album already bursting with creativity. “Vimana” is a great example of this. The synths, while abundant, never overstay their welcome and are used to perfection in the perfect places. The best part about this stylistic element is the fact that the synths rarely ever sound like keyboards, avoiding that melodic, stereotypical, and standardized sound people tend to think of in relation to the instrument. Not to mention they are just as technical as the guitars, bass, and drums found on the record, in the end creating for a perfect match.

It’s rare to come across a self released debut EP where everything comes together so perfectly. The song writing, musicianship, production quality, and sense of uniqueness on Kosmophobia’s debut are all top notch, especially in such a diluted death metal landscape. Kosmophobia is soon to become an elite act on the technical death metal scene throughout the world, and that’s all from a band you more than likely never heard of, which adds to the magic of this release. This EP is incredible and raises the bar for every other up-and-coming death metal band and those who are already active and signed. Take notice now because Kosmophobia won’t be unknown for much longer. It’s impossible to stay hidden after releasing an essential, masterpiece debut.