Oxygen Destroyer are a death/thrash metal band from the US and this is their third album.
Guardian of the Universe is the 33-minute follow up to 2021’s enjoyable Sinister Monstrosities Spawned by the Unfathomable Ignorance of Humankind, and once again features an explosive cocktail of nasty extremity.
Bursting out of the speakers with a satisfying production, Oxygen Destroyer’s music is punishing and furiously delivered. A collision of thrash-infected riffs, primitive blackened aggression, and deathly intensity, the songs hit the spot in no uncertain terms. Oxygen Destroyer are notably channelling the spirit of the thrash gods on Guardian of the Universe. This record is just a goldmine of blackthrash death metal carnage.
This is blistering stuff. The music’s raw attack is withering. It’s a near-constant assault of spiked riffs and belligerent attitude. Relentlessly brutal and savagely wrought, the songs don’t let up. The sharpened fury of the guitars is one of the defining features of these songs. Add to this the harsh piercing screams, (and very occasional growl), and merciless drums, and you have a tight package. It’s all tied up with the sort of songwriting that is well-considered, impactful, and encourages repeat listens. Amidst the carnage and the various samples you’ll also find an impressive array of solos that add emotive streaks of colour to the dark ferocity of the songs.
Sinister Monstrosities Spawned by the Unfathomable Ignorance of Humankind was good, but this is better. Guardian of the Universe revels in violent hyper aggression, and it’s a thoroughly enjoyable listen because of this. Oxygen Destroyer have produced an album of furious blackened death/thrash that’s relentlessly good fun.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 