ALBUM REVIEW: Bioluminescence – Dawn Of Ouroboros
A relatively new name on the scene, since 2018, Oakland’s DAWN OF OUROBOROS have been steadily building a healthy reputation. Their amalgamation of progressive metal, black and death flourishes and jazzy flavours has been warmly received with 2023’s Velvet Incandescence being particularly impressive. Now, two years later and the band are back with album number three; Bioluminescence. It’s a rarity lightninging strikes the same place, but here, DAWN OF OURBOROS are three for three.
By its definition, Bioluminescence is the vibrant reaction to things in its environment. Just as French avant garde black metal oddballs BLUT AUS NORD‘s 2019’s Hallucinogen conjures images of weird alien flora, here, DAWN OF OURBOROS use Bioluminescence as a vessel to explore our oceanic depths. And the music on offer here perfectly embodies vivid imagery of flora, fauna and alluring nature of our planet’s vital life source.
Nebulae boasts gorgeous leads and scorching solos that are as technically impressive as they are expertly dispatched, and the the strong atmospheric subcurrent feels akin to FALLUJAH‘s timeless The Flesh Prevails, Slipping Burgundy ebbs and flows and demonstrates the band’s rich musical tapestry as the track organically develops and unfolds, and Chelsea Murphy‘s vocal range is utterly staggering, demonstrating her versatility in full view. Then there’s Poseidon’s Hymn. One of Bioluminescence‘s many, many highlights, here, the band soar like a phoenix with Murphy‘s sultry vocals and beautiful tones building emotion before explosive bouts of heaviness connect like a knockout punch. It’s quite simply, stunning.
The melting pot of the DAWN OF OUROBOROS soundscape has borrowed and adapted many elements across the metal spectrum, but it doesn’t feel like a botched DIY project. Bioluminescence boasts a professional level of precision, balancing pacing across the overarching album expertly well to keep any feelings of stagnation firmly at bay. Whether it’s the epic Dueling Sunsets – that boasts some of the best drumming from Ron Bertrand – or the emotionally stunning Mournful Ambience, there’s a wealth of brilliance to digest here.
Straddling intense bouts of heaviness with passages that shimmer, DAWN OF OUROBOROS have been building towards this direction for some time now, and Bioluminescence is the band’s strongest work to date. The way in which the band balance two sharp tonal soundscapes that duel and dance throughout the album’s runtime is no easy feat, but DAWN OF OUROBOROS make it look like child’s play. The result is a truly dynamic and engaging listen from a band whose stock is set to continue to rise.
Rating: 9/10
Bioluminescence is out now via Prosthetic Records.
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