Nephren-Ka

French act Nephren-Ka unleash powerful, technical death metal with latest release The Fall of Omnius. Intricate guitar work, blast-beat drumming and deep, guttural vocals are what make the album a classic death metal banger, while the concept, which is inspired by Frank Herbert's Dune series, adds to the record's exceptionally dark atmosphere. Fast, crushing riffs start The Fall of Omnius off with "Butlerian Djihad," which maintains a balance of powerful rhythms and melodious leads, followed by "Mastering the Voice," which brings in old-school Swedish death metal-style grooves before blazing into a brutal attack of militaristic riffs and ominous vocals. The highlight is the title track, which features a complex song structure, unpredictably changing its pace while blending melody with straightforward riffage. A combination of intense growls and high-pitched screams throughout is the album's strongest attribute, making the group sound more dynamic than other acts in the genre. Nephren-Ka add their unique twist to traditional death metal, making The Fall of Omnius an engaging listen.