Utter Discomfort, the latest album by Religious Observance, is a dark and intense journey through the depths of heavy metal. The Australian band's third full-length release is a masterful blend of sludge, doom, and death metal, with a touch of black metal thrown in for good measure.
From the opening track "Crown of Worms" to the closing "Lament Configuration," Utter Discomfort is an unrelenting assault on the senses. The crushing riffs and thunderous drums create a suffocating atmosphere of dread and despair. The vocals, ranging from guttural growls to shrieking screams, add to the sense of unease and discomfort.
Despite its bleakness, the album is not without moments of beauty. The instrumental track "The Smell of the Earth" is a haunting interlude that provides a brief respite from the chaos. The closing track "Lament Configuration" is a slow burn that builds to a cathartic climax, leaving the listener with a sense of release and relief.