Phobophilic/Sedimentum - Horrific Manifestations Split EP

 From deep, dank depths.

 (Originally submitted to the Metal Archives on October 4th 2020) 

Horrific Manifestations is a split between two relative newcomers to the scene, Canada’s Sedimentum and North Dakota’s Phobophilic, with the former having released their first demo last year and the latter being around since 2017. It had slipped under my radar up until recently despite my fondness for Sedimentum and my desire to keep an eye out for any potential release. I finally got around to listening to it a few days ago, and boy am I glad I did. What we have here are 2 tracks of no-frills death metal that are sure to crush the listener's skull in.

The first song here is Sedimentum's "Oblitération", which following a short synth intro with some ambient sounds lurches forward at the listener with a crushing doom riff and a growl that’s very reminiscent of Craig Pillard’s vocal work in Incantation and Disma. From that point forward the track transitions expertly between faster tremolo riffs and slower passages, with a notable section being the one starting at 2:35, where the band flawlessly alternates between a neckbreaking midpaced riff and a faster tremolo one.

Phobophilic’s offering on the other hand, “The Bottom of Creation”, is different, not only in sound, but in style as well. What we have here is stomping and grooving death metal that is more likely to bring Undergang to mind, with its more sewer-like vocals and insistence on keeping the tempo more on the mid-to-fast side. Highlights on this track are definitely the doomy passage at 3:47 and the lead that kicks in at 5:35 and follows the track to its end. Special mention should also go to drummer Vincent Tweten, who executes some very nice patterns throughout and makes excellent use of his cymbals in order to spice things up. The track does feel a bit overlong though, clocking in at 7 minutes. Some slight trimming would’ve greatly benefitted the track and made it better than the song that preceded it.

Another difference between the tracks is the production, with Sedimentum having a very dense bass guitar and a metallic snare that pops out quite a bit, and some very thick and brooding guitars that further enhance that cavernous atmosphere, although the kick drums are sadly buried underneath the density of it all. Phobophilic on their end have opted for a more fuzzy tone on their bass which is less upfront but still audible, the guitars have a slight buzz to them, which becomes more noticeable during the tremolo passages, and the drums are perfectly mixed, with everything being audible with no issue whatsoever.

What we have here is 2 songs from some very promising up-and-coming bands to the scene that any fan of filthy and dank death metal ought to keep an eye on. I am definitely expecting a full length from either of these bands in the coming years, and if what they’ve shown us so far is any indication for the future, we’re in for some top notch death metal in the future.

Highlight: Oblitération 

Rating: 86% 

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