Progressive metalcore pioneers Born Of Osiris have been rewriting their story and carving out their own path for well over a decade. Alongside bands like Veil Of Maya, Winds Of Plague and After The Burial, they helped the sub-genre rise to prominence and have continued to pave the way for a whole generation of bands with awe-inspiring musicianship and an intense, robotically-precise live show. Brand new album ‘Angel Or Alien’ sees them continue on their journey, and this outing might be their bravest and boldest yet.
Right from the get-go, they make it known that they haven’t lost any of their groove, with ‘Poster Child’ crashing irresistible synths and bouncy palm-muted guitar patterns together in a sweet-yet-severe collision. ‘White Nile’ keeps the momentum rolling with luscious Egyptian tones, skulking and swerving in and out of the foreground in between bursts of sonic carnage. Both these opening tracks aptly prepare you for what lies ahead, but the further into this record you delve, the more you realise that this isn’t just your standard Born Of Osiris record. They’re growing.
There’s more melodic glory emanating from this record than any other in their back catalogue, and it takes their music into brand new territory. The rugged-yet-refined choruses of ‘Waves’ are a prime example of this, full to the brim with infectious characteristics sure to spread through a crowd like wildfire. ‘Love Story’ does something similar, with futuristic synths hovering in the background whilst the hook-laden guitar harmonies and vocal lines skyrocket. Then there’s the luscious brass tones concealed within the superb closer ‘Shadowmourne’, the gigantic chorus of ‘Threat Of Your Presence’, and the alluring, unforgettable title track; it’s all been so expertly crafted that it slots into their sound like it’s always been there.
For all Born Of Osiris purists, fear not – there’s still tonnes of unbridled aggression embedded within the album. The super low-tuned and groove-heavy ‘Crossface’, the unrelenting and nostalgic-sounding ‘In For The Kill’, the ominous rises and falls of ‘Lost Souls’, the venomous, seething rage within ‘Truth and Denial’, and every single song that surrounds them are full of the band’s signature tricks, all desperate to give your eardrums a battering. After fourteen tracks of being on the receiving end of those blows, you’ll find yourself psyching yourself up to get back in the ring and do it all over again.
This record is an evolution of the Born Of Osiris we’ve grown to love over the years; it’s one they’ve hinted at for the last few records, but never fully leaned into until now. The usual technical mastery and rich textural excellence runs through ‘Angel Or Alien’ like it always has, but the melodic element of their genetic make-up has never been so prominent. This is the most metalcore they’ve ever sounded, and that’s not meant as a negative at all.
They’ve had catchy choruses and singable riffs before, but not quite like this. All those moments sound bigger than ever, having found their balance as they comfortably and confidently walk the tightrope from barbarity to euphoria. This is still a relentless and unforgiving Born Of Osiris record on the surface and no one quite delivers frenzied tech-punishment quite like them, but there’s never been as many hooks to hang on to as there are here. You’ll find yourself continually reeled in by its charm, and that’s the real beauty of ‘Angel Or Alien’ – it’s a grower, and that power will work on both new and old fans alike. Yet another glistening jewel for their now blindingly bright crown.
DAVE STEWART