The Brutal Beauty of Monotony: Vertiginous' 'Incessant Affliction' and the Paradox of Extreme Metal
There’s something almost meditative about listening to brutal death metal. I know, it sounds absurd—how can music designed to pummel your eardrums into submission be meditative? But hear me out. When done right, the genre’s relentless assault becomes a strange form of catharsis, a sonic purge that leaves you both exhausted and exhilarated. Vertiginous’ Incessant Affliction is a prime example of this paradox. The Indonesian duo’s sophomore release is a 30-minute barrage of brutality, but it’s also a masterclass in the fine line between hypnotic repetition and numbing monotony.
The Allure of the Relentless
From the opening seconds of “Suffering, Misery, and Slaughtering,” Vertiginous makes their mission clear: to bludgeon you into submission. The track is a whirlwind of blast beats, guttural vocals, and razor-sharp riffs, and it’s impossible not to be impressed by the sheer ferocity on display. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how the band manages to maintain such intensity without sacrificing technical precision. Jossi Bima’s vocals are a standout—they’re not just growls; they’re seismic events, each one feeling like a punch to the gut.
But here’s where things get interesting: as the album progresses, that relentless intensity starts to feel… well, relentless. Tracks like “Crucified in Fate Hesitation” and “Incubated Inquietude” are undeniably brutal, but they blend together in a way that makes it hard to distinguish one from the next. What many people don’t realize is that this lack of differentiation isn’t necessarily a flaw—it’s a feature. Brutal death metal thrives on repetition, on the hypnotic rhythm of violence. Yet, it’s also a double-edged sword. While the genre’s uniformity can be its strength, it can also be its downfall when taken too far.
The Problem of Sameness
One thing that immediately stands out is how Incessant Affliction struggles to create memorable moments. Don’t get me wrong—the album is technically flawless. Hendika Dwi Prasetyo’s drumming is a marvel, and the production is crisp enough to make every instrument feel like it’s right in your face. But after a while, the songs start to feel like variations on the same theme. “Tortured with Endless Despair” and “Mutilated with Anguishes” are great tracks, but they don’t leave a lasting impression. If you take a step back and think about it, this raises a deeper question: What makes a brutal death metal album truly great? Is it the sheer force of its assault, or the ability to balance that force with moments of contrast and innovation?
From my perspective, Vertiginous could learn a thing or two from bands like Cryptopsy or Skinless, who manage to inject their brutality with moments of unpredictability. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the bass occasionally breaks through the mix, adding a much-needed layer of depth. Those moments are rare, though, and they highlight a missed opportunity. What this really suggests is that even in a genre as extreme as brutal death metal, nuance matters.
The Production Paradox
The production on Incessant Affliction is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it’s perfectly suited to the genre—every instrument is pushed to the forefront, creating a wall of sound that’s impossible to ignore. On the other hand, this approach exacerbates the album’s lack of variety. When everything is cranked to 11, there’s no room for subtlety, no space for the listener to catch their breath. Personally, I think this is where the album falls short. While the sonic concussion is undeniably effective, it also feels one-note after a while.
The Future of Vertiginous
Despite its flaws, Incessant Affliction is far from a failure. It’s a solid entry in the brutal death metal canon, and it’s clear that Vertiginous has the talent to push the genre forward. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential they’ve shown. If they can find a way to inject more diversity into their sound—whether through riff development, bass prominence, or dynamic shifts—they could become a force to be reckoned with.
In my opinion, the album’s greatest strength is also its greatest weakness: its unwavering commitment to brutality. It’s a double-edged sword that cuts both ways, leaving listeners impressed but ultimately unfulfilled. What this really suggests is that even in the most extreme genres, balance is key.
Final Thoughts
Incessant Affliction is a brutal, unflinching album that does exactly what it sets out to do. But in a genre as saturated as brutal death metal, doing what’s expected isn’t always enough. Personally, I think Vertiginous has the potential to be more than just another band in the crowd. They’ve got the chops, the intensity, and the vision—they just need to find a way to stand out.
If you’re a fan of the genre, this album is worth a listen. It’s a raw, unfiltered dose of brutality that doesn’t pull any punches. But if you’re looking for something more—something that pushes the boundaries of what brutal death metal can be—you might find yourself wanting more.
What this really suggests is that even in the most extreme forms of art, there’s room for growth. And that, in my opinion, is what makes Incessant Affliction worth talking about. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction. And in a genre as relentless as brutal death metal, sometimes that’s all you can ask for.
