Chaos Descent is a melodic death metal band formed in 2013 in Tehran, Iran, and now based in Istanbul, Turkey. With three studio albums to their credit - When Life Leads Us to Death (2015), A New Clear Dawn (2018), and The Blurry End of an Era (2023) released via German label Fetzner Death Records - their latest opus is the only one I've had a chance to listen to here.
From the very first seconds, the album stands out for its frantic drumming and fast guitars. At times, the rhythm slows down to offer more melodic passages. Local folk-inspired riffs are heard, creating a melodic death metal enriched by cultural elements. Divine Freedom is the perfect embodiment of The Blurry End of an Era's musical structure. Comprising 11 tracks with a total running time of 41 minutes, this album is distinguished by highlights such as Four Horsemen, a musical frenzy with a cutting solo, and The Sonic Truth, notable for its sonic diversity.
Powerful growls and high-pitched screams accompany the rhythm and melodies. Female vocals also appear, entirely on the track Sinusoidal, where folk elements are particularly noticeable. The vocals reach their peak on Lord of Chaos, whose meticulous structure offers a unique listening experience. Hardcore influences can also be felt in the vocals on tracks as Barking at the Wind.
Overall, with this album, Chaos Descent offer a melodic death metal distinct from anything I've heard before, incorporating local cultural touches. It's an album that deserves a careful listen to appreciate its meticulous nuances, and leaves me eager to discover the rest of their discography.