I saw a forum post the other day that made the claim that there are only a handful of bands out there in the current landscape of death metal actually doing something different, and even then, I cannot help but disagree. I can understand the concept of certain bands becoming stale over time, but I simply cannot fathom a whole genre not offering something interesting. Sure, the same paths are retread ad nauseum for many different reasons, but there’s always at least one act somewhere in the depths of the underground that has something to offer whether it be in innovation, spirit, or mastery over whatever their craft may be. In terms of death metal, it can absolutely be argued that there aren’t as many bands pushing the envelope in a meaningful way as we’d like, but it’s only a matter of searching to find one. Without question, Moss Upon the Skull is an act that defines what it means to push the envelope of death metal.

For some bands, it simply isn’t their nature to sit still in one place for long. Whether it be sonically, thematically, or in terms of straight-up mastery, the finest bands are those that are constantly pushing themselves in some form or another with even the finest amongst those seeking to do so in many categories. For acts like Moss Upon the Skull, the drive to push yourself to further is simply in the fabric of the band’s DNA with time and focus the only things that can accomplish such a feat, and this band has already proven to be more than adept for the task. Six years after an extremely flavorful creation, it’s with everything that’s been brought to life with “Quest for the Secret Fire” that Moss Upon the Skull delivers an exceptional experience of death metal that is as progressive, technical, and unyielding as one could dare ask for. Still more than capable of delivering melodies and rhythms whose origins can be traced back to the complete other side of the metal music spectrum, this is a record that is uncompromising, captivating, and simply enveloping in all of its nuances and twists and turns that ensure the listener is not simply disoriented by greatness, but lost in the most splendid way. Where many bands would begin down a certain path or seek to channel some familiar force, Moss Upon the Skull carves out its own trail through the darkness that is as spectacular to witness and unfold as it is satisfying. An eviscerating display that knows precisely what it wants to be and how to deliver it to the highest level of quality, intensity, and raw unfettered glory.

At the end of the day, it’s all a matter of opinion. There are plenty of arguments to be made that the underground is in a dire state, but I am of the opinion that, from where I’m standing, things are as good as gold. Sure, it can sometimes feel as though there isn’t much new talent out there pushing boundaries and blowing our minds, but to keep searching is to eventually come upon a find that is quite fascinating from all viewpoints. With everything that the dared to summon with “Quest for the Secret Fire”, Moss Upon the Skull is but one such band that exceeds those expectations in damn near every instance.

“Quest for the Secret Fire” releases on November 8th via I, Voidhanger Records!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Quest for the Secret Fire” on Bandcamp here.