ALBUM REVIEW: Transhumanism – Virial

Technical death metal outfit VIRIAL hit the ground running with their debut effort Organic Universe back in 2015. Quite some time has passed since then, but the release was enough to grab the interest of Vicious Instinct Records to snap them up for the long awaited follow up. Transhumanism is available now, will they pick up where they left off?

The haunting keys of Discovery lead directly into Project Cyclops which sets a dark, ominous tone from the outset. A chilling scream comes bursting out of the shadows to turn your blood to ice. Powerful blastbeats and ghoulish gutturals amplify the doom-ridden mood. Prominent intricate bass lines also have their opportunity to shine. Interstellar Voyage continues the charge as it displays a formidable intensity but also leaves plenty of space for enticing melodies to seep into the complex arrangement. March Of Prometheus offers up some jarring riff work that has a particularly sludgy texture and quality for the most part, still baring its teeth when necessary to keep you on your guard.

The Insight significantly ups the ante with flurries of swift instrumentation that leave you reeling. An intertwining maze of riffs has your head spinning in each and every direction, trying to keep a grip on what is unfolding. Aurelia I – Deterioration follows suit by hurling a sea of carnage in your direction. Just as you are beginning to feel slightly overwhelmed there is a brief pocket of calming bass lines that help you compose for what may come next. Aurelia II – Purgatory displays some serene acoustic tones that strike all the right chords. Don’t be lulled into a slumber just yet though as Aurelia III – Realignment is poised to strike. Here, thunderous drum beats rattle your skull as intense riffing weaves a web of inescapable chaos.

Quantum Leap feels very theatrical in its prose, at least before it descends into utter anarchy. Rapid fire riffing refuses to budge an inch as it joins forces with barbaric vocal work and additional hammering drum beats. Transhumanism ensures the assault doesn’t run out of steam but does offer up some pleasant melodies and jazzy segments in amongst the seemingly relentless darkness. The shreds of optimism pour over into Cosmic Code as an upbeat demeanour washes over the track. The crushing instrumentation is still ever present but does in fact show sparks of a lighter tone hidden deep beneath the dark exterior. Technological Singularity has zero intention of departing in quiet fashion – bludgeoning drumming and demonic guitar work ensure they keep the momentum at an incendiary tempo. The arrival of Christian Muenzner is a very nice trump card to leave the release on a gratifying high note.

There is a lot of beauty to be found in this beast and considering this is only VIRIAL‘s second full length release the technical proficiency is pretty remarkable. Transhumanism is definitely not for everyone as it can be a particularly intense experience, but for listeners who love a challenging album that has a wealth of intricate layers to sink your teeth into then this may very well be the perfect package.

Rating: 8/10

Transhumanism is out now via Vicious Instinct Records.

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