Album Review: Born Of Osiris - 'A Higher Place'

Call it deathcore, technical death metal, or just plain metalcore, Born of Osiris’s latest offering “A Higher Place” is a positive statement in a market where making shit sound as brootz as possible seems to be the new benchmark. For every one decent band that can actually pen a decent song, there are at least 5 that can’t.

I have not paid much attention to this whole scene of late, and when I do feel the urge to listen, I’ll just grab my old Job For A Cowboy EP then be done with it.

“A Higher Place” will not go down as a defining album of the genre but it does show glimpses of a band trying to break the mould somewhat.

The album chugs, blasts, breaks and solos its way through 13 tracks,  most of which are all under the 3 minute mark. Keys are also thrown in to either add depth or ambience but seldom does it actually have the desired effect. There are nods to the Gothenburg sound plus numerous other attempts to subvert the genre which goes to show Born of Osiris aren’t just another deathcore clone on the Sumerian records roster.

There are a few bizarre moments on the album, which upon first listen will jump out at you straight away. The first is the intro track, it sounds like a Bside to the theme song for sex and the city. If it weren’t for the shred and chug fest of track two “Elimantion”, I may have just gone out and bought those sexy black Manolo’s I always wanted.

The second is the end of track four “Now Arise” which comprises what I can only describe as a metalcore rap. A thick beat and rhythm section gives way to vocalist Ronnie Canizaro growling some undecipherable rabble. It’s not Brokencyde terrible, but still is pretty cringe-worthy.

There is some great musicianship displayed on this album. Most of the songs are well crafted and when combined with the ultra crisp studio job of famed metal producer Zeuss, it’s not a bad listen. However, the attempts at doing something innovative and left of centre don’t always come off and it proves to be a bit hit and miss.

1. Rebirth - 1:26
2. Elimination - 2:05
3. The Accountable - 2:12
4. Now Arise - 3:52
5. Live Like I'm Real - 2:42
6. Starved - 2:46
7. Exist - 2:16
8. Put to Rest - 3:11
9. A Descent - 2:18
10. A Higher Place - 2:51
11. An Ascent - 3:21
12. Thrive - 2:41
13. Faces of Death - 2:28