Sometimes, I check my spam emails because the universe always dumps the most important releases there. The Omega Swarm looked like any other promo at first. Sure, it had cool cover art, but there wasn’t much more to say right away. However, when I read that this band is closely linked to probably the most interesting Lovecraft-inspired band ever, Sulphur Aeon (don’t worry, I know about The Great Old Ones; they’re also at the top), I decided to avoid the summer sunlight again and just lose myself in Crimson Demise. So, is it an abyss of despair or just as meh as Lovecraft’s writing style? Let’s find out!
Yes, there are stylistic similarities to Sulphur Aeon, but thematically this is a dramatic change. Gone are all the Cthulhu references, and back is our more classic apocalyptic and disturbing imagery of a world engulfed in the flames of its own perdition. It’s a subtle change but refreshing nonetheless; Lovecraft Metal is starting to get overcrowded. Either way, Crimson Demise made my blood boil! Its sheer intensity and pressure will make you do The Pose. “What do you mean by The Pose, Catto?” You know perfectly well what I mean—you do it in the shower all the time!
You might be wondering, are the “symphonic” parts trash here? Well, no, but I don’t blame you for thinking that. It’s the rule in our music. The Omega Swarm knows exactly how to balance its aggression, sense of epic, and harsh vocals that fit better than your last pair of jeans. However, what Crimson Demise does so well is controlling tension and creating a sense of urgency that’s extremely rare to find. You feel involved in a dramatic Armageddon and can only sit enjoying the fireworks. I mean it, this thing sounds like Earth is getting devoured by an inter-dimensional vortex. It’s so beautiful yet terrifying!
There must be something to dislike, right? I actually don’t have too many complaints. Maybe that if you hate Sulphur Aeon (something is wrong with you, get some help), this is going to sound like a more “symphonic” version of that. Also, Metal about the end of times isn’t exactly original, but you know how lame that is for this part? The songs could use a bit more variety, but then again, I listen to “Deceivers” or “Entity Destroyer,” and I wouldn’t mind listening to seven tracks more like those. Ah, screw it! I’m just nitpicking. Crimson Demise is an album I didn’t know I needed.
There’s nothing to wait for; this is not only interesting but an exciting melting pot of MeloDeath, Symphonic, and Black Metal. The Omega Swarm sounds like The Omega Swarm, so enough comparisons. Just jump right into this void of perdition that will swallow you whole and spit out only bones. Now, can all these debuting bands give me a freaking break? I’m going to need a top of the year list only for them!
Label: Ván Records
Release date: 31 may, 2024
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554540398011
Country: Germany
Score: planets colliding into ashes! Or 4.0 (maybe 4.5. Give me time!)/5.0 for the noobs
Metal Eclipse Reviews 