Brutal Death Metal's Relentless Assault: A Deep Dive into Vertiginous' Incessant Affliction
There’s something primal about brutal death metal. It’s not just music; it’s an assault on the senses, a sonic battering ram designed to leave you breathless and bewildered. Personally, I’ve always found the genre’s raw, unapologetic energy both fascinating and exhausting. It’s like being trapped in a mosh pit with a dozen angry gorillas—thrilling, but you’re not sure if you’ll walk away intact. Enter Vertiginous, an Indonesian duo that’s making waves with their sophomore release, Incessant Affliction. What makes this particularly fascinating is how they’ve managed to capture the essence of the genre while still leaving me with mixed feelings.
The Sonic Onslaught: A Double-Edged Sword
From the opening track, Incessant Affliction is a relentless barrage of sound. The vocals are guttural, the drums are punishing, and the guitars are a chaotic whirlwind. It’s clear that Hendika Dwi Prasetyo and Jossi Bima are not here to play nice. What many people don’t realize is that this kind of intensity is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it’s a masterclass in brutality—fans of Suffocation or Cannibal Corpse will feel right at home. On the other hand, it’s almost too relentless. By the halfway mark, I found myself craving a moment of respite, a breather to process the onslaught. But Vertiginous doesn’t let up, and that’s where the album begins to falter.
The Problem of Homogeneity
One thing that immediately stands out is how difficult it is to differentiate one track from the next. Each song is a blistering assault, but they blend together in a way that feels more like a single, 30-minute track than a collection of distinct pieces. This raises a deeper question: in a genre that thrives on extremity, how do you maintain variety without sacrificing intensity? Vertiginous seems to have prioritized the latter, and while it works in the moment, it leaves little to remember afterward. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a common issue in brutal death metal, but it’s particularly pronounced here.
Production and Performance: A Silver Lining
Where Incessant Affliction shines is in its production and performances. The mix is raw but clear, pushing every element to the forefront without feeling cluttered. Bima’s vocals are a standout—they’re not just growls; they’re seismic events that you can feel in your chest. Prasetyo’s drumming is equally impressive, a relentless barrage that never lets up. A detail that I find especially interesting is the occasional bass break, which adds a much-needed layer of depth. It’s a shame the bass isn’t more prominent, as those moments are some of the album’s most memorable.
The Missing Ingredient: Riff Development
What this really suggests is that Vertiginous has the technical chops but lacks the songwriting finesse to elevate their material. The riffs are chaotic and aggressive, but they rarely evolve or stick with you. Compare this to bands like Cryptopsy or Dying Fetus, who manage to balance brutality with memorable hooks, and the difference is clear. In my opinion, a more focused approach to riff development could transform Vertiginous from a good band to a great one.
Final Thoughts: A Promising but Flawed Effort
Incessant Affliction is a solid entry in the brutal death metal canon, but it’s not without its flaws. It’s a record that’s best experienced in short bursts, as its lack of variety makes it a slog to get through in one sitting. That said, there’s no denying the talent on display here. From my perspective, Vertiginous has the potential to be a major player in the genre, but they’ll need to refine their approach to songwriting.
What makes this album worth discussing, though, is its raw, unfiltered energy. It’s a reminder of why brutal death metal exists—to push boundaries, to challenge listeners, and to leave them reeling. While Incessant Affliction doesn’t quite stick the landing, it’s a promising step forward for a band that’s clearly passionate about their craft. Personally, I’ll be keeping an eye on Vertiginous to see where they go next. Because if they can find that balance between brutality and variety, they might just create something truly unforgettable.
Rating: Mixed
Label: Comatose Music
Release Date: August 7th, 2026
Websites: Bandcamp | Instagram
