Brutality Without Borders: Vertiginous' Incessant Affliction and the Paradox of Relentlessness
There’s something almost primal about the appeal of brutal death metal. It’s music that doesn’t just demand your attention—it seizes it, dragging you into a sonic maelstrom of aggression and chaos. Personally, I’ve always found this genre fascinating because it’s so unapologetically raw. It’s not about subtlety or nuance; it’s about force. And that’s exactly where Vertiginous’ Incessant Affliction lands—right in the heart of that raw, unrelenting energy. But here’s the thing: while the album delivers on brutality, it also raises a deeper question: can music be too relentless?
The Sonic Assault: A Double-Edged Sword
From the opening track, Incessant Affliction is a battering ram. ‘Suffering, Misery, and Slaughtering’ doesn’t just start the album—it attacks it. The vocals are guttural, the drums are a flurry of chaos, and the guitars are a wall of noise. It’s a formula that works, no doubt. Vertiginous clearly knows how to craft a brutal death metal track. But as the album progresses, something becomes apparent: every song feels like a variation of the same theme.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how the band’s strength—their unrelenting intensity—also becomes their weakness. Each track is a masterclass in aggression, but they blend together in a way that makes it hard to distinguish one from the next. It’s like being trapped in a mosh pit where every punch feels the same. Sure, it’s intense, but after a while, you start to crave something—anything—to break the monotony.
The Production: A Calculated Bludgeon
One thing that immediately stands out is the production. It’s raw, it’s in-your-face, and it’s exactly what a brutal death metal album should sound like. There’s no polish here, no attempt to smooth over the edges. Instead, the mix feels like a deliberate choice to amplify the chaos. In my opinion, this is where Vertiginous shines. The sonic concussion isn’t just noise—it’s a carefully crafted weapon.
But here’s where it gets interesting: while the production is top-notch, it also highlights the album’s lack of diversity. When every track is mixed to sound equally aggressive, the lines between them blur even further. It’s a double-edged sword. The production enhances the brutality, but it also underscores the album’s homogeneity.
The Performances: A Study in Extremes
Jossi Bima’s vocals are a force of nature. They’re not just growls—they’re seismic. You can feel them in your chest, a primal roar that adds a layer of malevolence to the music. Hendika Dwi Prasetyo’s instrumentation is equally impressive. The drumming is relentless, the guitars are chaotic, and the bass—when it’s audible—adds a much-needed layer of depth.
What many people don’t realize is how much the bass can elevate a brutal death metal track. When it’s given room to breathe, as in ‘Mutilated with Anguishes,’ it creates a refreshing contrast to the chaos. It’s a detail that I find especially interesting, because it hints at what Vertiginous could achieve if they leaned more into dynamic shifts.
The Missing Ingredient: Diversity
Here’s the thing: Incessant Affliction is a solid brutal death metal album. But it’s not a great one. And the reason, in my opinion, boils down to a lack of diversity. The songs are well-executed, but they don’t have distinct identities. It’s like the band is so focused on maintaining the intensity that they forget to give each track its own character.
If you take a step back and think about it, this is where bands like Cryptopsy and Dying Fetus excel. Their albums have peaks and valleys, moments of sheer brutality interspersed with riffs or breakdowns that stick with you long after the music ends. Vertiginous, on the other hand, keeps the pedal to the metal for the entire runtime. It’s impressive, but it’s also exhausting.
The Broader Perspective: Brutality in a Crowded Genre
Brutal death metal is a crowded field. To stand out, a band needs more than just raw aggression—they need a unique voice. What this really suggests is that Vertiginous has the potential to be more than just another brutal death metal band. Their technical skill and commitment to the genre are undeniable, but they need to find a way to channel that energy into something more distinct.
From my perspective, the future looks promising. Incessant Affliction may not be a masterpiece, but it’s a solid step forward. If the band can incorporate more dynamic shifts, develop stronger riff identities, and give the bass more room to shine, their next album could be something truly special.
Final Thoughts: A Brutal Journey Worth Taking
Incessant Affliction is a brutal death metal album that does exactly what it sets out to do—it pummels you into submission. But it’s also an album that leaves you wanting more, not in terms of intensity, but in terms of variety. It’s a paradox: the very thing that makes it great is also what holds it back.
Personally, I think this album is worth a listen, especially if you’re a fan of the genre. It’s raw, it’s relentless, and it’s a testament to Vertiginous’ skill. But it’s also a reminder that even in the world of brutal death metal, a little diversity can go a long way.
Rating: Mixed
DR: 4 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Comatose Music
Websites: Bandcamp | Instagram
Releases Worldwide: August 7th, 2026
