Brutal Death Metal's Double-Edged Sword: A Deep Dive into Vertiginous' Incessant Affliction
There’s something primal about brutal death metal. It’s not just music; it’s an assault, a sonic battering ram designed to leave you breathless and bewildered. When done right, it’s a cathartic experience—a raw, unfiltered expression of aggression. But when it falters, it risks becoming a monotonous blur of noise. Indonesian duo Vertiginous walks this fine line with their sophomore release, Incessant Affliction. Personally, I think this album is a fascinating study in contrasts: it’s both relentlessly brutal and oddly forgettable, a paradox that makes it worth dissecting.
The Brutality That Binds
From the opening seconds of “Suffering, Misery, and Slaughtering,” Vertiginous makes their mission clear: to pummel the listener into submission. Jossi Bima’s guttural vocals are a force of nature, a seismic growl that feels as much physical as auditory. Hendika Dwi Prasetyo’s instrumentation is equally relentless, with drums that sound like a jackhammer and guitars that screech like a dying machine. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the production amplifies this raw energy. It’s not polished, but it’s intentional—a calculated chaos that mirrors the genre’s ethos.
But here’s where it gets interesting: for all its ferocity, Incessant Affliction struggles to leave a lasting impression. In my opinion, the album’s greatest strength—its unrelenting intensity—is also its Achilles’ heel. Each track blends into the next, creating a 30-minute onslaught that, while impressive, lacks distinct moments. It’s like being trapped in a mosh pit where every punch feels the same.
The Problem of Homogeneity
One thing that immediately stands out is the album’s lack of diversity. Tracks like “Crucified in Fate Hesitation” and “Incubated Inquietude” are technically flawless, but they’re also nearly indistinguishable. This isn’t necessarily a flaw in the genre—brutal death metal thrives on uniformity—but it’s a missed opportunity for Vertiginous. What many people don’t realize is that the greats, like Suffocation or Cannibal Corpse, manage to inject subtle variations into their chaos. A killer riff here, a tempo shift there—these small details create memorable moments.
Vertiginous, however, seems content to stay in the same gear. Even the occasional bass breaks, while welcome, feel like fleeting distractions rather than deliberate choices. If you take a step back and think about it, this uniformity undermines the album’s potential. It’s like serving a five-course meal where every dish tastes the same—no matter how good it is, you’ll eventually lose interest.
The Glimmers of Greatness
That’s not to say Incessant Affliction is without merit. There are moments that hint at Vertiginous’s potential. The production, for instance, is a masterclass in brutality. It’s raw but not sloppy, a sonic concussion that feels intentional rather than accidental. And the performances are undeniably impressive. Bima’s vocals are a highlight, a guttural onslaught that’s as visceral as it is technical. Prasetyo’s drumming, too, is a marvel of precision and power.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the occasional lurching trudgery in tracks like “Engraved Loathing.” These brief slowdowns provide a much-needed contrast to the album’s breakneck pace. They’re like moments of respite in a hurricane, a chance to catch your breath before the next wave of chaos.
The Broader Implications
This raises a deeper question: what does it mean for an album to be both impressive and forgettable? In a genre as niche as brutal death metal, does technical proficiency outweigh memorability? From my perspective, the answer is complicated. On one hand, Vertiginous has crafted an album that’s undeniably effective at what it sets out to do. It’s a 30-minute adrenaline rush, a testament to the duo’s skill and dedication.
On the other hand, it’s hard to ignore the lack of standout moments. What this really suggests is that Vertiginous is still finding their voice. They’ve mastered the mechanics of brutality, but they haven’t yet figured out how to make it their own. This isn’t a failure—it’s a stepping stone.
Looking Ahead
So, where does this leave Incessant Affliction? Personally, I think it’s an album that demands respect, if not reverence. It’s a raw, unapologetic slab of brutality that will satisfy fans of the genre. But it’s also an album that feels like a missed opportunity, a collection of killer moments that never quite coalesce into a cohesive whole.
What’s most exciting, though, is the potential it hints at. Vertiginous has the talent and the vision to become a force in brutal death metal. They just need to find a way to balance their relentless intensity with moments of distinction. If they can do that, their next release could be something truly special.
For now, Incessant Affliction is a solid, if flawed, addition to their discography. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a promising glimpse of what’s to come. And in a genre as unforgiving as brutal death metal, that’s no small feat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a die-hard fan of brutal death metal, Incessant Affliction is worth your time. It’s a relentless, no-holds-barred assault that delivers exactly what it promises. But if you’re looking for an album that will stick with you long after it’s over, you might come away disappointed.
In the end, that’s the double-edged sword of Vertiginous’s approach. They’ve created something that’s undeniably powerful, but it’s power without permanence. And in a genre that thrives on both, that’s a fascinating—if frustrating—paradox.
Rating: Mixed
DR: 4 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Comatose Music
Websites: Bandcamp | Instagram
Releases Worldwide: August 7th, 2026
