The resurgence of OSDM has begun to splinter into different paths. In 2025 Hardcore-adjacent, Psychedelic, Blackened, and Thrashing Death Metal are not only all present but are often tinged with the nostalgia and vibes of the genres’ originator. With Ego Dissolution, Ancient Death have managed to blend forward thinking and expansive forms of Progressive and Techincal death metal with the sounds and riffs that remind one of bands like Morbid Angel, Cancer, and Atheist.
Ancient Death is pictured above and is Ray Brouwer (Matriphagy) on Guitar, Jasmine Alexander with Bass and Vocals, Derek Moniz (Cruciamentum and others) playing drums, and Jerry Witunsky (Atheist and Till the Dirt) with another Guitar and more Vocals. The band is from Walpole Mass and is signed to Profound Lore. Ego Dissolution follows two Demo’s and is the bands debut Full Length. The album features 8 songs and is 35 minutes long.
Listeners familiar with Cosmic and Psychdelic DM bands will know what to expect from the band: mid-temp DM with audible Bass, meandering and transmuting riffs, and spacey departures into other realms of sound. Ancient Death executes the DM part very well and often, as most are largely straight forward Death metal songs that take an interesting departure midway before returning to the sounds that begun said song. Two instrumental tracks break up the album with progressive leaning guitar parts that are reminiscent of the songs bands like Death would sprinkle throughout their albums. Vocals are often layered, adding dimensionality and cleans and whispers break up the monotony and provide guide posts to the experience.
Lyrically the album speaks to the philosophy of death and the possible transmission though dimensions unknown to us in the living realm. Esoteric ruminations on the id and ego are present alongside more basal examinations of the self and provide a sincere depth to this holistic entity. Indeed the albums title “Ego Dissolution” could make a feasible title for a philosophical book relegated to said topic. Death Metal has and will always be a fascinating medium for introspection.
The sounds here are somehow bright and cold, atavistic yet futuristic, and desolate but expansive. An album that is seemingly comprised of contradictions, the piece as a whole stands strong and will be played on a very regular basis. I expect to discover more about the album the more I listen to it, it’s quite simply enjoyable. Fans of The Chasm and Blood Incantation will find lots to delve into here, and fans of traditional OSDM and prog metal alike will also be wowed by Ego Dissolution. Strangely I hear touches of late aughts metalcore bands like Light This City. Ultimately Ancient Death have created an album sure to be enjoyed by many in 2025 and the years to come.
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