ALBUM REVIEW: Nija – Orbit Culture

Sweden’s ORBIT CULTURE have been on the scene since 2013, steadily building their repertoire and climbing up the proverbial ladder. 2018’s Redfog EP was particularly well received and it is now time for the melodic death metal outfit to take the next step with third full length release Nija which is due for release on August 7th via Seek & Strike. Will this release be exactly what they need to elevate them into the spotlight?

At The Front delves right into powerful riffing and vicious growls combined with jarring drum work to set the tone for what’s to come. A catchy, melody driven chorus takes the edge off the initial wave of carnage. North Star Of Nija keeps the adrenaline flowing with addictive, stomping grooves. The uplifting harmonies add an element of vibrancy to the arrangement. The vocal work is particularly eye-catching as it seamlessly jumps between potent aggression and edgy snarls. Open Eye takes it up a notch as scintillating shredding rattles your skull. This track will trap you in its web of headbang inducing intensity and refuse to let you escape.

Day Of The Cloud refuses to let the energy levels dissipate as ORBIT CULTURE continue to throw a barrage of varying riffs at you. Their abrasive nature jostles for prominence with earworm level melodies. Behold treads a completely different path with chilling acoustic tones and a slightly sombre demeanour. Enticing hooks come forth through the darkness to raise your spirits alongside alluring symphonic elements. The regularly scheduled chaos resumes towards the latter stages. Mirror Slave ominously lurks like a predator waiting for the opportune moment to strike. This track may not be as barbaric as its counterparts but possesses a very confident stride reminiscent of the nostalgic Sad But True.

Nensha resumes the unrelenting fury with additional instances of pummelling instrumentation, following a similar vocal delivery to its predecessor. The vocal onslaught ceases to lose its vigour as waves of savagery assault your senses. Rebirth allows for a brief moment of respite with soothing tones which still maintain a pulsing intensity. The emotionally charged chorus provides a poignant impact. Just as you are beginning to become comfortable with the way this track is heading you are blindsided by a volley of blunt force drum work. The Shadowing saves one of the emphatic tracks for last as ORBIT CULTURE bludgeon you once more for good measure. All the previously established elements which have brought us to this point combine to devastating effect and are the perfect accompaniment to the curtain closer.

Nija is packed to the brim with adrenaline fuelled hooks that will have you returning for more. ORBIT CULTURE‘s ability to transition between frantic intensity and catchy melodies is particularly infectious and will serve them well. If the Swedish outfit had evaded your radar up to now they’ll have certainly grabbed your attention after this!

Rating: 9/10

Nija is set for release on August 7th via Seek & Strike. 

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