It’s more often than not that death metal is a style of true uncompromising sound coupled with a real desire to destroy everything in its path with there being little to nothing that can actually stop it. Plenty of us love it that way and wouldn’t do anything to change it, but it can be the occasional change of pace that can really provide a breath of fresh air that we likely didn’t know we needed. Decided to keep their brand of death metal on a leash that they are more than happy to let go of every now and then, Obrij returns to us for an EP that’s as scathing as it is calculated.

Five tracks don’t seem like much for any band to make an impact with, but I’ve learned to never underestimate any release no matter how many tracks it has or how long they may be. And besides, I knew what Obrij has been capable of for some time now, and I feel it goes without saying that we’re greeted here throughout “In Severe Stranglehold” is possibly the best of what this Ukranian band has dished out thus far. It’s right out the gate that we can see what Obrij really went for with this EP as their brand of death metal can be seen lumbering about in every moment in each track with its itch to just eat away at everything being all but clear in its sound and execution, but Obrij keeps it on a more or less tight leash. But, always at the most opportune moments, “In Severe Stranglehold” gives us a ferocious beast that, while not as fast as some would prefer, is as bloodthirsty as could be and it’s Obrij that conducts it through massive riffage and undeniable power that powers forth with a true purpose for deadly intent always on the mind until it is pulled back again for Obrij to gives us a practically flawless display of restrained power that is as potent as it is effective. It’s a real marvel to behold, but I know for a fact that Obrij can do so much more given that “In Severe Stranglehold” is clearly what I’d call their best work to date, but I can just feel that they can go even further despite already reaching a definite peak!

Such potency like this in this form is something that we don’t get too see terribly often, and I can’t help but feel that there’s so much more to tap in to for this sound as Obrij gives us quick glimpses of genius throughout this EP as it just keeps on giving at just about every turn. “In Severe Stranglehold” is a release that any fan of calculated death metal can’t go wrong with, and I can’t help but implore anyone who’s even a little interesting in this sound to keep an eye on this promising unit.

LISTEN to “In Severe Stranglehold” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Obrij on Facebook here.