[Death metal loving bears have trouble with angles, in rugs and otherwise. But against all odds, our soon to emerge Bobo has measured the ground speed of a cosmic deity.]
Black Hole Deity‘s latest album, Profane Geometry is a mash-up of old-school death metal and modern influences — a sci-fi-infused journey that both honours and expands upon the genre’s conventions. Born from the creative sessions of their debut EP, Lair of Xenolich, it reflects a few years of writing, rewriting, and polishing. The meticulous recording process, has resulted in a well-balanced and robust collection of tracks that sets the tone with a fast-paced intro that immediately immerses the listener into its sci-fi death metal universe.
The guitar work really shines throughout the album, particularly on tracks like “Blast Pit” and “Crucible Knight,” where intricate solos and riffs are seamlessly woven into the fabric of each song. The drumming is intense and precise, and contributes to the album’s energetic and aggressive sound. However, while the instrumental aspects of Profane Geometry are often impressive, the vocals tend to get lost in the mix. On several tracks, they blend into the background rather than taking a commanding presence, which detracts from the overall impact. This is especially evident on “Human Filet,” where the frantic energy and melodic solos are somewhat undercut by the lacklustre vocal delivery. The album also includes some experimental moments, like the interlude “Hydrazine Vapours”, which feels more like an interruption than a natural part of the album. On the other hand, tracks like “Cybernetic Inferno” successfully incorporates sci-fi elements, creating a well-structured composition that stands out as a highlight.
Despite a few missteps, Profane Geometry is a pretty good example of a band successfully combining old-school death metal with modern influences. The guitar solos are a real standout. They consistently take things to the next level and bring an extra layer of depth to the tracks. However, the album’s flow is occasionally disrupted by abrupt endings and the underwhelming vocal mix. Black Hole Deity‘s decision to explore sci-fi and supernatural horror rather than traditional gore and violence is not a unique approach nowadays, however it adds a distinctive narrative layer to the music. While it does have some flaws, Profane Geometry is a solid effort that shows the band’s technical prowess and creative vision. It’s a good listen for fans of the genre who want both familiarity and innovation.
