Oxygen Destroyer – Guardian of the Universe
Release Date: 9th August 2024
Label: Redefining Darkness
Bandcamp
Genre: Thrash Metal, Death Metal
FFO: Kreator, Morbid Angel, Mongrel’s Cross, Vader.
Review By: Ceta
Guardian of the Universe is an intense sonic experience, channeling the aggressive energy of traditional thrash and death metal. The music is relentless, with no pauses or softer interludes to offer relief. It’s truly a homage to Kaiju films. No other band can portray that imagery as well as Oxygen Destroyer. The thematic consistency of the album is noteworthy, sounding like a brutal and unstoppable path of destruction, which is ironic considering that Gamera is the good guy here. The expected bad guys are depicted as a giant hive, which brings to mind huge bugs that come to mind-control humanity.
There’s a deep, intertwined interplay between the vocals and the instruments to the point that the latter feels like another instrument. I appreciate that the vocals are low in the mix and blend in with the absolute chaos that surrounds us. This is something more extreme metal albums could benefit from. Mixing good growls is difficult, but Oxygen Destroyer has managed something that stands out in this album.
Although there is an underlying plot, it takes a backseat to the sheer sonic onslaught. The album is designed for those who appreciate the primal energy of giant monsters clashing, rather than those seeking a nuanced musical experience. Its brevity and directness might come off as basic to some listeners, but this straightforward approach is a deliberate artistic choice. The musical ideas, while familiar, are pushed to their extremes, offering a no-frills, in-your-face experience that’s uncommon in thrash metal today, where everything is slowly becoming more complicated and elaborate.
The production quality of Guardian of the Universe is excellent, ensuring that the aggressive sound is sharp and impactful. For fans of thrash and death metal looking for something out of the ordinary yet unpretentious, this album offers a unique blend of brutality and thematic consistency. It might not cater to everyone, especially those seeking complexity and subtlety, but it stands out for its honest and unmitigated barbarism. Guardian of the Universe is a testament to the band’s ability to create something both unusual and totally straightforward. You might not need to watch so many old Kaiju films now to relive the nostalgia of your childhood days, because Oxygen Destroyer has you covered in less time with an album that will likely age more gracefully.
(4 / 5)
