TOUGHNESS - BLACK RESPITE OF OBLIVION
TOUGHNESS - BLACK RESPITE OF OBLIVION
Country: Poland
Year: 2025
Label: Godz Ov War Productions
TOUGHNESS is a Death Metal band that has been active for 5 years, hailing from Poland. ''Black Respite of Oblivion'' is their second full-length studio album, released on February 28th via Godz Ov War Productions (Hail Greg!!!). As I’ve mentioned in my previous reviews of Polish metal bands, Poland has a very strong metal scene, not only with its bands but also with record labels like Godz Ov War Productions, which have been doing excellent, professional work for many years, helping and producing top-notch bands across all metal genres.''Black Respite of Oblivion'' is a fascinating album containing 9 tracks of insane death metal that are both highly technical and brutally intense! The songs will bombard you with heavy, crushing guitar riffs played by Bartosz Domański and Łukasz Wójtowicz (a killer guitar duo!!). The guitar solos, in particular, are beautifully melodic, elevating the songs to the next level. Bartosz Domański's vocals are monstrous and deadly as hell! It's as if an unknown entity or creature from the magical world of H.P. Lovecraft has made its presence known on Earth and is speaking to you... hahaha, truly brutal!! The bass lines by Ziemowit Chalciński will blow you away with their ultra-clever and sometimes complicated playing. I recommend listening to this album with headphones to truly appreciate how difficult and complex the bass parts are. Last but not least is Maciej Gransztof on drums! Holy fuck!!! This guy is a maniac!!! He’s a beast behind the drums, playing incredibly difficult parts at breakneck speed, delivering double-bass drumming at unbelievable tempos, killer blast beats, and progressive rhythms that elevate the already intricate compositions to even greater heights. The production of the album is heavy and clear, produced by Haldor Grunberg and TOUGHNESS. It was recorded between April and June 2024, mixed and mastered by Haldor Grunberg. Drums and vocals were recorded at Santa Studio, with drum engineering by Mikołaj Kiciak. The guitars were recorded at Satanic Audio, and the bass was self-recorded by Ziemowit Chalciński. Sound effects were created by Ziemowit Chalciński as well. The cover artwork is absolutely sick, created by Turkka Rantanen, with the logotype designed by Michał Kaczkowski. It’s also worth mentioning that on the songs "The Profanity That Creates an Expression of Pain at the Impossibility of Ascending to the Lower Realms," "Condemned to Noxious Persistence," and "Vile Unrelenting Miscreancy," guest vocals were provided by Will Smith (Afterbirth, Reeking Aura, and Artificial Brain). ''Black Respite of Oblivion'' is an outstanding album that gives the listener moments of pure brutality, occasional melodies (especially in the guitar solos), and technical/progressive passages that make you think, feel, and experience extreme music from a new perspective. TOUGHNESS produces top-tier death metal compositions, Death Metal to the max! Well done, boys!!! Also, don’t forget to check out the very interesting interview we did with Bartosz Domański (Guitar/Vocals) HERE. ''Black Respite of Oblivion'' is perfect for fans of DEATH, CYNIC, ATHEIST, INCANTATION, MORBID ANGEL, and similar bands!
Tracklist:
1. Abominating the Scourge
2. The Profanity That Creates an Expression of Pain at the Impossibility of Ascending to the Lower Realms
3. Black Respite of Oblivion
4. Embrace Blackness
5. Carrion Entrails (Lost Abyssal Disbelief)
6. Condemned to Noxious Persistence
7. From the Shroud of Human Disgrace
8. Open Wounds of the Forgotten Planet
9. Vile Unrelenting Miscreancy
Line-up:
Bartosz Domański - Guitars/Vocals
Łukasz Wójtowicz - Guitars
Ziemowit Chalciński - Bass
Maciej Gransztof - Drums
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
TOUGHNESS CONTACT:
https://www.facebook.com/ToughnessOfficialPL
https://www.instagram.com/toughnesspl/
https://toughness.bandcamp.com/music
https://open.spotify.com/artist/273Si2lYtCLFy7j4AXhU6U
GODZ OV WAR PRODUCTIONS:
https://godzovwar.com/shop/en/
https://www.facebook.com/godzovwarproductions
https://www.instagram.com/godz_ov_war_productions
https://godzovwarproductions.bandcamp.com/music