Phobocosm have somehow been flying relatively under the radar, at least this side of the pond, despite having been around since 2008. ‘Gateway’ (their fourth full length release) might just change that, with the upcoming European tour alongside Brazil’s Fossilization.
The Canadian quartet have continued to create dissonant and claustrophobic Death/Doom, though ‘Gateway’ is perhaps more polished and accessible than previous albums. That is by no means a bad thing, and you certainly won’t be finding this hulking slab in the mainstream any time soon.
‘Deathless’ is a mesmerising opening song, setting the tone with galloping relentless layers of sound drenched in sonic dread and technical ambition. ‘Unbound’ has its way with the listener by lulling them into a false sense of instrumental security before bludgeoning them over the head with blastbeats.
The term Cavern Death seems to be one of those new sub genres that people are so keen on throwing around, but it is extremely fitting for Phobocosm, there is a sense of trying to find your way through a dark labyrinth, a feeling of oppressive atmosphere which is heavily apparent by the time you reach the epic closing track ‘Corridor III’.
This isn’t simply Death Metal. ‘Gateway’ is deep, dark, brutal and packed full of skill. Phobocosm are poised to find their way out of the labyrinth…dare you follow?
