Sometimes, there comes a time where you only need to listen to the first few seconds of a release before getting the feeling that it’s going to be something special. Deformation Of Humanity may only be my first taste of Phlebotomized, but it’s one of those albums that immediately made me want to dive right into their back catalogue and get reacquainted with the rest of their material (which is all totally killer as well).
Deformation Of Humanity is actually the first proper studio album from Phlebotomized in over 20 years (following on from compilation albums of their old material released in 2013 and 2014) and it’s definitely a welcome return for this talented Dutch band. Playing an avant-garde blend of death and doom metal, their style is striking and really stands out, meaning you can’t help but pay attention to the music that is being presented to you.
All of the songs are good in their own way, but fifth track Desideratum is one of the runaway successes of this album. One of the more experimental and unique tracks of the album due to the more electronically driven sections, the track just has that special ‘something’ that gives it the edge. Everything is just masterfully constructed and the different textures and approaches that are performed over the course of the track just mesh together so well – from the softly-spoken female voice in the intro to the crushingly heavy wall of sound and the electroni/synth solo is absolutely stunning.
That’s not to say the more straightforward songs on the album aren’t good too, of course. Proclamation Of A Dying Breed, which also served as the first full insight into the album with its release as a lyric video, and it’s a track that will certainly give you goosebumps. The combination of melody and aggression is perfect, and it’s just one of those songs that you can’t just listen to once – one listen and you’ll instantly want to stick it on repeat.
Phlebotomized have hit on something special with Deformation Of Humanity. Albums like these don’t come around often, and this is a seriously incredible comeback release, showing Phlebotomized coming back in style. Make sure you don’t let this one pass you by.
10/10
