Phobophilic
Enveloping Absurdity


4.0
excellent

Review

by Fernando Alves STAFF
September 20th, 2022 | 58 replies


Release Date: 2022 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Cavernous ways

Old school death metal has been well within my comfort zone for some time now, in the sense that it relaxes me while offering an escape from my everyday wars. Especially the kind which dwells in the deep holes of the earth, like that of the American quartet Phobophilic. Their revivalist death-doom formula, which pays tribute to Finnish acts like Demilich and Adramelech within a cavernous USDM aesthetic, has all the right ingredients to take me into that very private dimension of mine. Whether due to its intricate riffing, deep abyssal gutturals, or overall atmosphere, Phobophilic's debut album, Enveloping Absurdity, didn't take long to pull me into its muddy quicksand. As a matter of fact, the opener 'Enantiodromia' did the job almost instantly, through its infectious Finn-like approach reminiscent of the aforementioned collectives. Its tidy, classy character sets the tone for a collection of songs that show remarkable focus, mirroring a coherent, meticulously thought-out musical direction. The interplay between tempo variations is exceptionally smooth, as is the flow throughout the eight songs that feature an instrumental pit stop, 'Individuation', which, unlike most of its peers, is of real musical interest, adding value to the whole. Restraint and composure, qualities rarely associated with the genre, are palpable, giving Enveloping Absurdity an adult nature while delivering some oxygen to the cavernous ambiance. An airy layer enhanced by the apt production of long-time collaborator Adam Tucker, who skillfully crafted the right environment for the band's songwriting. The riff feast on 'Nauseating Despair' and 'Those Which Stare Back', or the lacy kick-off of 'The Illusion of Self', are just a few of the album's many highlights, along with the constant, headbang-inducing, slow/mid-paced segments. Except for the somewhat inconsistent lead department and (expected) lack of originality, Enveloping Absurdity has actually very few weaknesses, boasting a remarkable balance that makes it a must-listen for cave explorers who don't mind a little oxygen and refinement amongst the muddy holes of their soundscapes.




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user ratings (103)
3.8
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
TheSpirit
Emeritus
September 20th 2022


30304 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Nice, I was just listening to this earlier. It's very good.





This has kind of been a crazy year for death metal.

BitterJalapenoJr
Contributing Reviewer
September 20th 2022


1174 Comments


The first chord is cavernous indeed - great write up. Checking shortly.

necropig
September 20th 2022


7441 Comments


I've no recollection of listening to their EP but seems I liked it, shall check this

YuriZakhaev
September 22nd 2022


1093 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Been looking forward to this one for a while now, so hyped to see these guys getting some traction

evilford
September 22nd 2022


67099 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Gotta check

Pikazilla
September 22nd 2022


31320 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

omg this sounds like something right up my alley

Kusangii
September 22nd 2022


7139 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

It's gud

Pho3nix
September 22nd 2022


1690 Comments


"...which pays tribute to Finnish acts like Demilich and Adramelech within a cavernous USDM aesthetic"

I've never even heard of those two, need to czech. Great rev!

InfernalDeity
Contributing Reviewer
September 22nd 2022


628 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

This is oppressively heavy.

combustion07
September 23rd 2022


12822 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Killer album as expected.

osmark86
September 23rd 2022


11521 Comments


oh yah, oh yah

butt.
September 23rd 2022


11142 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Sick stuff. Cavernous indeed

DarkSideOfLucca
September 23rd 2022


18527 Comments


About to jam this for my 45 minute workout, will come back to report

New Old school death metal is my favvvvvv

Orb
September 23rd 2022


9504 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

The RIFFS here... Good lord!!!

DarkSideOfLucca
September 23rd 2022


18527 Comments


This was a good workout album, yeah

ffs
September 23rd 2022


6338 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

cool alb

theyrehere
September 23rd 2022


57 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Nice, heard of these guys from the split with Sedimentum, can't wait to put it on in a few minutes

butt.
September 24th 2022


11142 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

A solid 3.75 here for me, but I was also listening to that Mortuous album today and I think that one takes the cake

combustion07
September 24th 2022


12822 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

You guys should all check their EP also if you haven't yet. Rules also!

Been hearing a lot about that Mortuous. Gotta jam

theyrehere
September 26th 2022


57 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Ok this rips. Might even be a bit better than the latest Sedimentum.



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