Review by Bryce Andrade
Released December 8th, 2023
Osiah, a deathcore band that hails from England, brings back Deathcore’s raw power with their newest release, a full-length album, Kairos. Osiah has been a consistent deathcore unit, with Kairos released as their fourth full-length album.
With a powerhouse lineup of expert musicians, like Rick Lee Roper (Vocals), Christ Keepin (Guitars), Andy Mallaby (Bass & Guitars), and Danny Yates (Drums), it’s no surprise that Osiah does not disappoint with Kairos and immediately reels listeners in instantly with their first track entitled “A Great Nothing.” This track is as Deathcore as it gets, and for me, Deathcore has always had a way of turning concert halls into mosh pit arenas. The first riff hits heavy, complex, and fast as this song is brutal as fuck and sets the tone for the whole album. Roper’s vocals have an impressive range, and his confidence in himself can be heard with every word sung. Roper’s presence is emulated by the others in Osiah, and they all bring a refreshing quality of seasoned musicians who care for their craft and have perfected the Deathcore genre to a tee. The lost art has seemed rather bland in recent years, but Osiah has never wavered and brings fans something new to look forward to within every album and that rings true with the release of Kairos.
The First song introduces a trend of heavy riffing and face-melting breakdowns that leave you asking, “How can it get any heavier?” But let me tell you that there’s nothing lackluster about Kairos, and it is consistently one of the heaviest albums to close out 2023. This band shines into the new year and has a very promising 2024 ahead of them. The second track entitled, “White Feather” shines with brilliant melodic riffs and fills with guitars and drums. Roper’s vocals remain a consistent factor throughout the song and provide a heavy tone that leads listeners wanting to headbang when it comes to the breakdown section halfway through the track. Roper dives into an insane guttural that will leave you gutted and despaired. The fact that one band has so much talent leaves one completely happy just within two songs of the album. The front half of the album is reliable and unwavering, and the production quality of the album can be heard through it all.
And that leads me to my favorite track that comes in as the eighth track on the b side entitled “Memento Mori”. The last breakdown is downright filthy, and if you don’t make a disgusted face when listening to it, you’re in the wrong. This breakdown is everything you need in a song, leaving you more than satisfied. It’s more than brutal, and I don’t think it could get any heavier than that. It’s worth the wait, as the whole album is nothing but straight-certified hitmakers across the board.
The album’s last song, Hues Refract, leaves one feeling melancholy and is one of the softer, more melodic songs. The eerie intro leaves one feeling uneasy, but is thrown into a heavy-ass power ballad that allows the guitarists to show off their musical prowess even more. This album is just so damn consistent, and there is something for everyone, even if you do not love Deathcore.