Recorded in Belgium by Michael Neyt and Lander Cluyse, mixed by Kurt Ballou (Converge), and mastered by Alan Douches (Converge, The Dillinger Escape Plan), "Mælstrøm" is a swirling mix of Metal, Punk, and Hardcore destruction.
Similarities in Oathbreaker's ferocity to bands like Cursed, Rise And Fall, and From Ashes Rise are apparent, but merely a flash point for them. Opener "Origin" strikes hard of the gate, crashing down with swirling guitars, thunderous drumming, and vicious vocal stylings. From there, Oathbreaker push the limits of brutal with "Hierophant", a crushing mid paced masterpiece infected with a "Wolverine Blues" spirit. While songs "Thoth" and "Glimpse Of The Unseen" carry a Doom Metal like candor that would even make Tom G. Warrior proud. Song after song, the chaos ensues within the Oathbreaker vortex as they explore all shades of heavy. Then, as suddenly as their rage appeared on the horizon, it recedes to reveal the album's mesmerizing title track "Mælstrøm". A dark acoustic passage that shows Oathbreaker's ability to not only unleash a fury, but control the musical super storm within.
Without question, Oathbreaker's "Mælstrøm" is one of the best debut albums we've ever heard, and we trust you'll feel the same way.
Released by:
Deathwish Inc.
Release/catalogue number: DW122
Release date: Jul 5, 2011
