2024 kicks off with a bang for death metal fans. Engulf, the one-man project from Hal Microutsicos with guest spots from other vocalists and musicians, is overall a solid release that should appeal to death metal fans of various stripes.
Before going track by track, I’ll make a few general comments. First, the style is best described simply as death metal. There is no need to add on many subgenre qualifications. That being said, The Dying Planet Weeps should appeal to fans of both brutal and technical death metal, as both those aspects are present, yet are not overwhelming.
Second, the guitar work is at a consistently high level, both with respect to riffs and solos. Third, the vocals are also well-done, being brutal but decipherable. Fourth, the production is crisp and clear. Finally, the album does not overstay its welcome. All these positives work in the album’s favor.
The one overarching critique regards the drum programming. Overall, the drums are programmed well and thankfully do not fall into the trap of sounding inhuman. However, the drums are a bit too busy at points. Sometimes the music would be better served if the drums allowed the rhythms to breathe rather than using constant fills. The issue is that the drums end up being a bit too busy and undercut the riffing somewhat.
The album begins with “Withered Suns Collapse.” After an atmospheric intro, the song kicks off with a cool main riff. There is a subtle use of pinch harmonics that thankfully does not overwhelm the song. The track ebbs and flows dynamically.
Next up is “Bellows from the Aether.” This track utilizes more of a wall-of-sound approach but does not neglect hooks. The last third of the song is best described as crushing.
“The Nefarious Hive” is a great track. The song begins with blast beats and a chaotic sound but also contains some appealing riffs. The vocal sections are actually quite catchy. Towards the end there is a doomy break awash in dissonance. The dissonance continues as the blast beats return. Great song.
“Ominous Grandeur” closes the first half of the album in a solid fashion. The song features a well-done atmospheric intro before the drums come in fast and heavy. This song also features a doomy section, something I quite enjoy in my death metal. The bass work on this song is a definite standout. Faster riffing punctuates the song and while overall the song is less catchy than others, it is a solid tune.
“Lunar Scourge” kicks off the second half of the album. The intro riff is quite likable. The blast beats used in this song complement the riffing. This is an excellent song, featuring both good dynamics and appealing riffing. This track is easily an album highlight.
Another album highlight follows in the form of “Plagued Oblivion.” The opening riff is awesome and the song builds wonderfully. There is great riffing throughout the track. It’s nice to see that the album does not lose steam in the second half.
The last “proper” song on the album is “Earthbore,” and it’s another winner. The song starts off slow and atmospheric, something the album as a whole has used throughout to excellent effect. After this atmospheric section we get a quality heavy tune. Fans of the most recent release from Phobocosm should find plenty to like here. The soloing on this track stands out for its excellence and tastefulness.
The title track is an excellent outro that ties everything together. This is a fitting way to close the album.
Death metal fans should find something to enjoy in The Dying Planet Weeps. Those who prefer brutality or technicality can find both present to some degree in the album. The album has a great sound and a lot of good riffs present. Furthermore, Engulf does not forget to write memorable hooks. Lone critique regards the drum programming, as it is often simply too busy and undercuts the riffs somewhat. If the drum issue could be fixed, Engulf would be even stronger. As it stands, death metal fans should definitely give The Dying Planet Weeps a listen. I, for one, look forward to what is next for Engulf.
Rating: 8/10
Preorder the album HERE
Tracklisting:
01 Withered Suns Collapse 5:51
02 Bellows From The Aether 3:31
03 The Nefarious Hive 3:38
04 Ominous Grandeur 5:19
05 Lunar Scourge 4:28
06 Plagued Oblivion 4:45
07 Earthbore 6:11
08 The Dying Planet Weeps 2:19
Line-up:
Hal Microutsicos – Lyrics, instrumentation, drum programming and vocals.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/engulfdm
EVERLASTING SPEW RECORDS
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The brutish yet dark vibes outline the spectrum in which Engulf moves his steps. Catchy riffs, gnarly vocals, savage Death Metal!
New Jersey’s Engulf is Hal Microutsicos’ (also in Blasphemous) Death Metal solo project. After 3 story-driven Eps released from 2017 to 2019 with the intention to draw out a genuine Death Metal approach and sound, spanning from the forefathers of the genre to much more modern approaches, Engulf is now ready to step up and unleash its massive and savage first full length debut album “The Dying Planet Weeps”.
Discography:
2017 – “Subsumed Atrocities” Ep
2018 – “Gold and Rust” Ep
2019 – “Transcend” Ep
For fans of:
Hate Eternal, early Gorguts, early Decapitated and early Ulcerate
Formats available:
– CD
– Vinyl (spring 2024)
– Tape
– Digital
Technical info:
Code: SPIT082
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Chris Kelly, winter ’21-spring ’22.
Mastered for vinyl by Carlo Altobelli, winter ’23.
Giacomo Gastaldi (Darkend) – all bass guitars.
Kevin Muller (Alluvial) – vocals on track 2.
Sven de Caluwé (Aborted) – vocals on track 3.
Pat Bonvin (Near Death Condition) – guitar solo on track 6.
Enrico “H.” Di Lorenzo (Hideous Divinity) – vocals on track 7.
Chris Kelly – guitar solo on track 7.
Nick Microutsicos – lyrics on tracks 3 and 6.
Artwork by Par Olofsson, fall ’21.
Additional artwork by Misanthropic Art, spring ’23.
Logo by Steve Crow/Malevolent Icons.
Line-up:
Hal Microutsicos – Lyrics, instrumentation, drum programming and vocals.
Links:
MAILORDER
BANDCAMP
