Enemy Reign, Between Hell and Oblivion
In 2009, Enemy Reign, then fronted by ex-Skinless frontman Sherwood Webber, released one hell of an EP in Means to a Dead End. It was packed with four songs of blistering metal that I thoroughly enjoyed. For their debut full-length, Between Hell and Oblivion, Webber has since jumped ship to return to the band he helped form back in the early 90s and has be replaced by the more than capable Stevie Boiser. But that’s not all that’s changed for the band.
Between Hell and Oblivion is what I would describe as well rounded, meat-and-potatoes death metal. It brings the brutal. It brings the groove. It’s got a powerful production, but isn’t over-produced. It’s an album that epitomizes modern American death metal and far exceeds the expectations their debut EP set three years ago. Album opener, “Haunted” is prime example of what I mean. Thick, burly riffs, Boiser’s mid-range guttural growls and a rumbling rhythm section deliver a song that is not only heavy as fuck, but well structured and performed quite well.
For as bludgeoning as the opener was, the band also know how to inject some serious groove into their music. “Seven Deadly Sins” is about as catchy a death metal song as you’ll find (at least this year). The chorus is infectious and the varied vocal layers (deep gutturals and raspy shouts) play off of one another perfectly. It’s easily one of the more memorable tracks on a pretty solid album. “The Heretics Will” bring s a bit of technicality to the band’s sound, but it’s an aspect that fits in seamlessly without sounding forced. It’s also a track that contains some serious rhythmic blasts that continue throughout the album with vicious aplomb.
Other stand out tracks include the pile-driving “Realm of the Hungry Ghost,” the addictive “Forged in Suffering,” “Cidum” and it’s moody, dark atmosphere, and album closer “LaLaurie’s Chamber” which is not only a disturbing historical story on it’s own, but also one hell of a song packed with excellent guitar work and plenty of groove.
When it comes down to it, Between Hell and Oblivion is a different band than what we heard on their initial EP offering. The music is more aggressive and darker. Boiser has filled Webber’s vacancy admirably and gives each track a little extra punch. There’s enough groove and bruising death metal throughout the album to keep you fully engaged and head banging along for the duration.