Ominous Ruin’s debut record Amidst Voices That Echo in Stone earned high praise upon its release in 2021. As technical, brutal death metal, it was lauded for being, well, technical and brutal. Who could’ve guessed? Snark aside, Ominous Ruin excelled at grooving between the subgenres. Depending on the situation, the California group embellished or diminished each style’s inherent traits rather than processing them through a death metal hot dog grinder. They went quiet after Amidst Voices That Echo in Stone’s release, only picking up steam in the past few months during the lead-up to their upcoming sophomore album, Requiem, their first with new vocalist Crystal Rose. The record’s first single, “Seeds of Entropy,” proves the past four years were well-spent. Check the video out below.
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Although “Seeds of Entropy” brandishes enough technical spelunking to satisfy Polyphia bros, that’s merely half the appeal. The other half is the space Ominous Ruin grant their playing. Guitarist and producer Alex Bacey’s transparent touch behind the boards is critical here. He removes any haphazard feedback and sees that open air is as much of means of expression as any of the other batshit Ominous Ruin deliver. There are contrasting segments of fast and slow tempos, notes played so quickly they sound as if they’re being held, and a monkey-in-the-middle dynamic in which different performers hold the spotlight. It remains cohesive because Ominous Ruin have the space to breathe deeply, thus resisting the forces of randomness that they will face throughout Requiem.
The band comments:
Seeds of Entropy, the first track off the new album Requiem, is an explosion of chaotic riffs, intense vocals and rapid fire drums at a dizzying 270 beats per minute. The song begins after the intro to the album, a piano and guitar duet that represent a continuation from Ominous Ruin’s previous full length, Amidst Voices that Echo in Stone. Picking up from said album, Seeds of Entropy utilizes many of the same musical phrases and stylings, while expanding on motifs from Amidst Voices at even faster speeds. Lyrically, Seeds of Entropy represents the beginning of inevitable slip into darkness as entropy consumes reality, both physical and mental form. This theme is masterfully expanded on throughout the rest of the album.
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Requiem releases May 9 via Willowtip Records. Pre-orders will go live on March 7th.
