It’s a difficult task to define what type of Metal Dawn of Ouroboros likes to play. There seems to be a constant exchange between Melodic Death Metal, Progressive Metal, and Djent loudness values, all going hand in hand with songwriting that sometimes mimics more commercial acts. Hence, I was both puzzled and excited to jump into its newest release, Bioluminescence. Rarely has an album name been more fitting for the level of colorful chaos this album is about to throw at us. But is it good stuff, or are we going to feel overwhelmed by so much glitter?
Right off the bat, I should mention that this album feels like a more hostile and technical version of anything Deafheaven used to play. “Is this the equivalent of mixing up my pills and alcohol, Catto?” Probably. There are moments where it’s hard to feel anything but conflicting euphoria and an almost dissociative sorrow. Say what you want about Dawn of Ouroboros, but the band knows how to paint complex emotional landscapes—even if I don’t fully grasp the writing behind it at times. Oh, and I almost forgot: please don’t mix drugs; it’s bad for you! Do them one at a time and preferably surrounded by friends. There’s my contribution to the community.
Not every day do I get to review an album that combines substantial complexity in its riffs and sounds with loads of emotional catharsis. If you’ve been through some rough patches lately (like yours truly!), you might need something that hits you hard in the feels but never takes its foot off the gas. Bioluminescence is exactly that: emotional turmoil that rages on until the hollowness is gone—and if it never leaves, you can always put the album on again. There’s enough tremolo picking here to give anyone arthritis, so at least you can replace the pain in your soul with wrist and elbow pain.
There are two main things to discuss, though (yes, it’s usually two—get used to it!). First, I’m not sure I like the production yet. It feels thin and muddy at the same time, giving the impression the band wanted to sound more Black Metal. But that’s difficult when you’re aiming to be a more technical Oathbreaker. Then there’s the pacing: the album does drag in certain sections, especially around the middle. Besides, do we need “Mournful Ambience” to be that ambient? I don’t know, but I do get the idea of giving us a break after the total onslaught the band just put us through.
I’m pleasantly surprised by Bioluminescence. I usually hate Metal this polished and glittery, but just because you shine in the dark doesn’t mean you can’t blow the place out of existence. That’s what Dawn of Ouroboros has shown us here. I fear this album will be divisive for many, but for me, it shows a band willing to take risks and innovate. Even if it’s not perfect, that’s better than another old-school Death Metal album in my mailbox. There! I said it!
Label: Prosthetic Records
Release date: March 7, 2025
Website: https://dawnofouroboros.bandcamp.com/album/bioluminescence
Country: USA
Score: A shy 3.7/5.0, but maybe more later!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 