Utopium

After a few small releases, including a demo, EP and split, since forming in 2007, Portuguese grindcore outfit Utopium have finally unveiled their full-length debut, Vicious Consolation / Virtuous Totality. The album proves to be well worth the wait, featuring 18 ferocious tracks of visceral, Nasum-influenced grind tinged with moments of crust and sludge. "Null Rousting" starts the proceedings off with ominous tones, as well as slow, trudging drums and guitar rhythms that build-up to a fast-paced, crusty noise attack that's carried on throughout 16-second rager "Lodging in a Rut." Tracks such as "Held Tombstone" and "Owner of a Kept Abidance" combine Entombed-esque death metal groove with corrosive, Terrorizer-style, speedy aggression, making for a dynamic and unpredictable listen. Vocals that range from tormented screams to guttural growls also provide an unexpected twist to your traditional grind trajectory. Clocking in at just less than 23 minutes, Vicious Consolation / Virtuous Totality leaves the listener wanting more — much more.