Metalcatto
Well, this isn’t a new release—it’s a reissue—so why am I writing about it? Simple. Hessian Firm, the label behind it, was kind enough to send us a free physical copy of Ingurgitating Oblivion’s debut EP, Cadence and Perspective in Desolation. A title that already hinted at how complex IO would become. So, without further nonsense, let’s check if this thing still holds up more than two decades later.
Right from the start, IO is almost unrecognizable here. It’s hard to believe that a band which would later redefine what Death Metal could be—and surpass most levels of musical complexity—started off as a filthy, dark, and almost primal Death Metal act. Yet there are glimpses of the brilliance they would eventually unleash. It’s hard to describe exactly, but the key lies in the song structures. There’s something just a step more abstract than what Gorguts was doing at the time, though you can still feel the influence of classic bands like Immolation. Oddly enough, the band that Cadence reminds me most of is Dead Congregation.
It’s the sheer level of heinous violence here that really stands out—there’s nothing to envy from the likes of Vital Remains. Despite how well-executed and primitive Cadence is, I can’t help but feel glad the band took a different direction later. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong here, it’s just that many bands have done this kind of thing. What sets IO apart, even at this stage, are those odd rhythmic shifts, those brief, unsettling synth moments—signs that they were already capable of more than just being “heavier than your regrets.” If any band proves that change can be a virtue, it’s this one. Talent and vision go hand in hand, and this EP is a raw sketch of that promise.
Now, onto more critical aspects. This is very much a product of its time—an era when Death Metal was just beginning to get consistent production quality. Some will say this represents the perfect middle ground between old-school grit and new-school clarity. My personal gripe lies in its lack of emotional nuance. It’s an all-out, non-stop beatdown from beginning to end, with little concern for subtlety or dynamic depth. It feels like a group of incredibly angry, wildly talented teenagers laying into their instruments with zero regard for emotional shading. And while there’s something admirable about that, I’m still left wanting more—but maybe that’s just my love for its later, more intricate material talking.
If you found IO’s latest work too pretentious or inaccessible—get a grip. Seriously, no jokes. Cadence has the mathematical precision and deviant nature the band is now known for, just stripped of the proggy embellishments. What you’re left with is pure, godless brutality. Some listeners might be disappointed by the lack of nuance, while others will be thrilled by its focus and savagery. Either way, I’d encourage everyone to check this reissue out. Rarely do we get the chance to observe a band’s evolution this clearly, with such stark and fascinating contrasts. So go ahead—lose yourself in this desolating perspective.
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Label: Hessian Firm
Release date: 28 March, 2025
Website: https://ingurgitatingoblivion1.bandcamp.com/album/cadence-and-perspective-in-desolation
Country: Germany
Score: 3.5/5.0
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