Finland, known for both its legendary and promising metal acts, has also shown great appreciation for bands from neighboring countries, treating them as their own. One example is ORBIT CULTURE, a groundbreaking metal band hailing from Sweden. Their musicianship has captivated Finnish audiences, evident through their performances at prestigious festivals like John Smith Festival and Tuska Festival, not to mention sharing the stage as a warm-up act for the legendary Swedish melodic death metal act, IN FLAMES. Now, ORBIT CULTURE is gearing up for the highly anticipated release of their new album, “Descent,” ready to hit the shelves on August 18th, 2023, through Seek & Strike, which is undoubtedly set to leave a lasting mark in the realm of modern metal music.
The album begins with a mesmerizing atmospheric intro titled “Descending,” reminiscent of the evocative compositions one might expect from Hans Zimmer in a gripping scene from movies like Pirates of the Caribbean or King Arthur. The track seamlessly transitions into an instant standout, “Black Mountain,” which had me so hooked that I found myself repeatedly hitting the replay button while writing this review – and also wasting a considerable amount of time in doing so. Drummer Christopher Wallerstedt undeniably shines on “Black Mountain,” showcasing his chops with intricate rhythms and skillful tempo changes that add depth and dynamics to the song. The melodic chorus, graced by the gritty clean vocals of singer Niklas Karlsson, is a true highlight, leaving a lasting imprint on the listener’s mind, thus the tone is set for what proves to be a solid record.
“Sorrower” displays some timeless heavy metal riffage that harks back to the classics. Amidst the many layers, there are skillfully woven sweeping guitar melodies that add a touch of elegance. As the song nears its conclusion, it takes a masterful turn with a captivating instrumental segment featuring blast beats and emotive melodic guitar work. The song gains an extra layer of depth and intensity through the added orchestrations in this part that enrich the background, contributing to the ending’s overall impact.
“From the Inside,” a previously released single, strikes with unyielding force across every dimension. The song begins with a strummed guitar pattern, adorned by a single overlaying note that reminds me a little bit of Ennio Morricone‘s Western movie soundtracks. The main riff seamlessly intertwines distorted and clean guitar elements in an awe-inspiring way. The chorus contains an irresistibly catchy line that lingers in your thoughts long after listening. The guitar solo is in the style of AMORPHIS‘ Esa Holopainen, infusing a familiar yet distinct flair to the song. However, it’s the song’s breakdown that truly shines in intensity. As the song approaches its ending, the introductory theme returns, lulling you into a deceptive sense of closure. Yet, the composition takes a masterful twist, unveiling an intricate passage that adds layers of intrigue to its structure.
Roughly a year ago, the release of “Vultures of North” provided a glimpse into the forthcoming album’s sonic landscape. Undoubtedly, this track emerges as one of ORBIT CULTURE‘s heaviest songs, solidifying its place as a centerpiece. I got introduced to “Alienated” already at ORBIT CULTURE‘s live performance at Graspop Metal Meeting a few months back. Thus, listening to this jaw-dropping piece in its studio version didn’t catch me entirely off guard. The track’s swift and aggressive beginning, propelled by formidable riffs and fast drumming, is an exceptional live anthem, with headbang-inducing riffs that resonate powerfully.
Following two highly intense and aggressive tracks, “The Aisle of Fire,” offers a respite with its melodic approach, yes it doesn’t shy away from sporadic bursts of rapid blast beats either. It’s within the details that the true magic of this album lies, where every sonic nuance contributes to the overall experience, which is something also clear in even the most subtle layers of this song; an ambient soundscape at times creates suspense before going into the chorus and here and there beautiful guitar melodies à la IN FLAMES spice up the composition as a whole.
“Undercity” sets its foundation with a bass-heavy, groove-infused riff, injecting a dynamic dose of diversity into the album’s overarching soundscape. The track’s verses have a pronounced groovy and thrashy edge, while the chorus surges forth with unbridled aggression, especially showcasing the multifaceted vocal talent of Niklas Karlsson.
The album continues with its title track, “Descent.” Emerging from an ambient soundscape, the track swiftly plunges into a realm of distorted riffs and remarkable growls, igniting the very essence of the song. Although it’s probably one of the least melodic tracks on the record, the chorus weaves rhythmic intricacies into its vocal lines. A beautiful piano and string segment introduces the song’s final moments that once again come as a surprise.
“Through Time” unfurls with a distinct departure from the rest, introducing piano and strings that serve as a prelude to Niklas‘ emotive vocals. A striking showcase of his clean vocal prowess ensues, providing a rollercoaster of emotions in a chill-inducing track. His vocal delivery intermittently amplifies, resonating with added strength, while the chorus is very powerful. This composition bears a somewhat stripped-down factor compared to the other songs on the album, culminating in a conclusion that lends a fitting closure to this record.
The Swedes have provided us with ten incredible tracks, sometimes melodic, sometimes aggressive, but at all times, while listening to this record, you have to pay attention to its many details and layers which masterfully contribute to its atmosphere. Altogether, “Descent” proved to be an exhilarating musical journey. The fusion of talent, the evocative melodies, and the powerful vocal performances make ORBIT CULTURE‘s latest offering a must-listen for any metal enthusiast. The expertly executed contrast between the heavy, grim tones and the lighter, melodic facets is a testament to the band’s skill and artistry. As the album unfolds, it becomes clear that “Descent” is an extraordinary collection of songs that will undoubtedly cement ORBIT CULTURE‘s status as one of the up-and-coming leading metal acts of our time.
Tracklist
1. Descending
2. Black Mountain
3. Sorrower
4. From The Inside
5. Vultures Of North
6. Alienated
7. The Aisle Of Fire
8. Undercity
9. Descent
10. Through Time
Lineup
Niklas Karlsson – Vocals, Guitar
Richard Hansson – Guitar
Fredrik Lennartsson – Bass
Christopher Wallerstedt – Drums
Label
Seek & Strike
