Oath To Vanquish

Rating: 7.9

Country: Lebanon

Release Date: 2006

Track list:
1. Pear of Anguish
2. Dearly Beheaded
3. Funeral in F Sharp
4. Executive Onslaught. [mp3]
5. Toxic Bowel Manoeuvre
6. Sulphuric Semen
7. Symptoms of Accrued Transgression
8. Sorrow in Adornment
9. Coat Hanger Massacre

Website: Oath To Vanquish

Oath To Vanquish - Applied Schizophrenic Science

Elias Abboud - Guitars, Vocals
Carlos Abboud - Drums, Vocals
Cyril Yabroudi - Bass, Vocals

Applied Schizophrenic Science must be the bane of metal distros struggling to describe the contents in a few words. Rapid brutal symphonic blackened deathgrind? Perhaps, although that would suggest a mess of influences whereas OTV have forged a self-contained microcosm of the macabre that is undeniably different from its surroundings. The component parts are an extensive treatise on the history of the grim side of extreme metal and although there are only a few truly original riffs the composition and arrangements are absolutely faultless. The music is more than just well constructed though, the tides of blood and bile that touch your toes or crash over your head seem driven by a higher natural order that can be direct or non-linear in accordance with OTV's expression of schizophrenia.

The Abboud brothers are acquaintances of mine so I am familiar with their musical abilities. In a previous life they self-produced work under the banner of "The Cimmerian Path", majestic Dimmu Borgir style melodic/atmospheric black metal that gave OTV its serpentine torso to which an array of devastating weaponry was attached, not to mention an injection of stimulants. Elias has maintained his spiteful black metal vocals but Cyril's resonant gutteral and gargling lows provide an added dimension of horror. The triumvirate of inward squeals, subterranean grunts and shrieking highs is overwhelming in the final track. The twangy but rich bass rides with the serrated guitar layers legibly and often adds colour to harsh icy harmonies. Carlos deserves major credit for his finest drum performance to date. Being stuck in Lebanon without a proper acoustic kit, this album had to be recorded using a triggered practice-type kit (horrible to play). The complex kick patterns, variation of blast speeds and precision cymbal work are reminiscent of Nick Barker at his best. Overall the record is very tight and rhythmically varied.

Generally there is little improvement needed to propel OTV forward. I'd like to hear some more syncopated choppy riffs and non-linear parts that are very impressive on this debut. The guitar sound is appropriate for the more direct sections but more clarity is needed for the busier riffage and for densely harmonised passages. Also, it would be a crime not to hear Carlos' talent in full flow without triggers on a quality drum kit. In the meantime, give special attention to the malevolent "Funeral in F Sharp" that spontaneously ignites into dark and twisted territory, ironically hinting at Vader that did for Poland what Oath to Vanquish could well do for Lebanon.

October 20th, 2006