Toronto-based Gutvoid has been turning heads in the death metal scene since their inception in 2019. Their blend of old-school death metal with cosmic horror and progressive elements has set them apart, creating a unique sound that’s both haunting and captivating. With their latest EP, “Breathing Obelisk”, they continue to push the boundaries of their genre, but not without some missteps along the way.

Let’s get straight to it, “Breathing Obelisk” is a solid offering, showcasing the band’s impressive songwriting and performance skills. The EP is packed with four tracks that blend death-doom, pure death metal, and progressive influences into a dark and twisted journey. However, as much as I wanted to love this release, the production left me feeling a little cold.

The opening track, “Swamp Consumed,” sets the stage with a promising start. You get the sense that you’re about to be dragged through the murky depths of some cosmic horror, with eerie guitar lines and menacing vocals. But as the track progresses, it becomes painfully clear that something is missing; where are the drums? Aside from the snare and cymbals, the drums are almost entirely lost in the mix, leaving the track feeling unbalanced. The guitars are strong, but the absence of bass further contributes to the lack of depth in the sound. When the vocals kick in, everything finally comes together, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that the track is missing something vital.

This issue persists throughout the EP. On “For We Are Many,” a track that otherwise stands out with its whirling chaotic riff reminiscent of Antediluvian, the production issues continue to plague the mix. The song’s aggressive nature and headbang-worthy old-school death metal sections are somewhat dulled by the lack of punch in the lower end. The vocals and guitars shine, but the missing rhythm section leaves the track feeling incomplete.

The third track, “When the Living Dome Opens,” offers a glimpse of what Gutvoid is truly capable of. Here, their progressive tendencies collide brilliantly with their death metal roots, creating a track that’s both complex and captivating. The guitar work is intricate and layered, and the vocals deliver a powerful performance. However, the same production flaws hold this track back from reaching its full potential.

The closing piece, “Shodar,” is perhaps the most ambitious track on the EP, drawing inspiration from 80s progressive rock and early death metal. It’s a swirling maelstrom of sound that captures the essence of Gutvoid’s vision, but once again, the production issues prevent it from fully resonating. The guitars and vocals are stellar, but the rhythm section is lost in the mix, leaving the track feeling somewhat hollow.

Overall, “Breathing Obelisk” is an EP that showcases Gutvoid’s immense potential. Their songwriting and performance skills are undeniable, and their ability to blend different genres into a cohesive sound is impressive. However, the production leaves much to be desired. The mastering lacks the professionalism that would elevate Gutvoid to the level they deserve. The result is an EP that, while musically excellent, falls short of greatness due to its production flaws. With better mixing and mastering, this could have been an exceptional release. As it stands, “Breathing Obelisk” is a good EP that hints at the brilliance Gutvoid is capable of, but it ultimately misses the mark. I’m giving this one a 6 out of 10.

Rating: 6/10

Release Date: 30^th August 2024
Label: Blood Harvest

Writer: Andy Baqone

Track list:

1. Swamp Consumed
2. For We Are Many
3. When The Living Dome Opens
4. Shodar