SEVERANCE - What Lies Ahead... (12" LP on Black Vinyl)
United States | Death
Detailed Description
Texas death metal veterans Severance deliver a relentless, no-frills onslaught with What Lies Ahead..., an album that epitomizes the raw intensity of underground death metal. With decades of experience behind them, the band carves out a sound that is both uncompromising and deeply rooted in the genre’s formative years, drawing comparisons to the likes of early Vital Remains and Suffocation while maintaining a distinct identity forged through sheer force of will.
From the opening moments, Severance wastes no time with atmospheric intros or unnecessary frills, instead launching straight into a maelstrom of dark, brooding riffing and pummeling drum work. Joe Vasquez’s guttural vocals command attention, channeling both aggression and bleak introspection with a raw, emotive force that adds another layer of depth to the album’s sinister atmosphere. His extended growls, reminiscent of Malevolent Creation’s Brett Hoffman but with a lower, more guttural register, further enhance the record’s intensity.
Guitarists Ralph Gutierrez and Lupe Duque provide an arsenal of vicious yet memorable riffs, weaving together an intricate balance of brute force and razor-sharp precision. Standout track As I Wait encapsulates the album’s strength, delivering some of the most haunting and malevolent riffing in the band’s repertoire. Meanwhile, the reimagined version of Cross-Breeding showcases Severance’s evolution, seamlessly blending old-school brutality with a sharper, more refined approach to composition.
The production remains raw yet effective, capturing the essence of Severance’s underground roots without sacrificing clarity. The mix allows the instrumentation to breathe, with each frenzied riff and thunderous drum fill cutting through the chaos. Bonus tracks from the Abysmal Ascent EP provide a glimpse into the band’s early days, serving as a testament to their relentless dedication to the genre.
In a scene oversaturated with formulaic releases, What Lies Ahead... stands as a testament to true underground death metal spirit—dark, uncompromising, and utterly relentless. For those seeking an unfiltered dose of Texas death metal fury, Severance delivers in full force.
