Born of Osiris

This new release, dubbed A Higher Place, from Chicago, IL's Born of Osiris features a much more mature band. The follow-up to their 2007 debut, The New Reign, this latest album sounds nothing like their previous release, and that's a good thing. The band have headed in a much more progressive death metal direction, with intricate guitar work and complex solos that take them a little bit out of the metalcore/deathcore realm and show a clear influence from the Faceless. However, Born of Osiris have the sound of "core" metal running through their veins and there are still plenty of breakdowns on this record, but their newfound technicality and developed songwriting skills make up for it. With lots of variation in their song structures and more mature lyrical content, the album's standout tracks include "Now Arise," "Starved" and "Put to Rest." And although they could do without the keyboardist, Born of Osiris are proficient musicians, highlighted on the Meshuggah-esque "Thrive."