The Eternal Reign

Album review

In 2007, Chicago-area deathcore outfit Born of Osiris released their first EP, The New Reign. A decade later, they celebrated their tenth birthday with a newly recorded version, The Eternal Reign. Wrapped and topped with a big bow for their die-hard faithful, The Eternal Reign improves upon the debut with polished production that results in a sharper, more punishing attack. While the original sounded like the band was trapped inside a thick fog, the 2017 update reveals more range to the Osiris spectrum. The more professional production doesn't equate to a softer sound, either. "Rosecrance" still packs a brutal punch, violent and savage as ever, while "Brace Legs" pounds the eardrums into submission with Cameron Losch's jackhammer drumming. The riffs and solos of guitarist Lee McKinney cut through the gloom on the Chthonic-esque "Abstract Art" and "Bow Down," improving the band's melodic side, while bassist David Darocha's elastic rhythms keep everything afloat. The twin terrors of vocalist Ronnie Canizaro and keyboardist/vocalist Joe Buras remain the band's not-so-secret weapons. Canizaro's screams and growls are formidable, while Buras' work elevates each track into the atmosphere. The intergalactic synths on "Open Arms to Damnation" and the gorgeous outro to "The Takeover" -- which originally closed out the 2007 version -- are highlights. One new track, "Glorious Day," is attached at the end of The Eternal Reign. The song fits in well enough (adding some contemporary metalcore embellishments) and is an extra something special for this release. As Canizaro bellows "We will never forget where we all came from/The reign remains," it's both an obvious nod to their past and a promise for the future. The Eternal Reign is a worthy bridge connecting the band's past and present, bringing Born of Osiris full circle for diehards and the newly curious alike.
© Neil Z. Yeung /TiVo