I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing the debut release Rise by Australian legends Terraphobia which was released on the 23rd of September 2022 on Darkstorm Records. Terraphobia is father-son duo Mick and David Jelenic. Mick has been in the metal scene since the mid-1980 and it’s so great to see his son carrying the torch!
Before I go much further, I need to get this out. This release is a total class from start to finish. It’s got a really meaty sound to it that hits with full force and there’s so much going on here. Just a lot of fun to be had listening to it.
The album starts with Eschaton which they launch into with both feet. Straight down to business, no fucking around. An incredible sound with vocals that remind me a little of Bell from Fear Factory. The outro to the song is a great finish too.
The album continues with Narcissistic Outcast which is pure head-banging material and then straight onto Town of Death which is straight-up guitar fun. The alarm intro really sets the scene for this track which is dripping with tangible anger throughout.
Such passion.
The stand-out track for me is Rise which is also the title track. The chanting of “look in the mirror, what do you see?” sends shivers down my spine. This also happens to be the most progressive track on the album with multiple timing changes throughout. Super talented.
Another stand-out moment is the fast sections of Paralogical Delusions in which they do a great job of mixing fast sections with a gentle melody. It feels to me like we’re running a race and the vocals are pure brutality. There are all these beautiful sections and tempo changes throughout the album that are nice little surprises along the way.
I expect big things from Terraphobia if their debut release is anything to go from. It is great from start to finish, this has been a regular playthrough for me over the past couple of weeks.
Go out and give it a listen, well worth your time!
Tracklist:
- Eschaton
- Narcissistic Outcast
- Town of Death
- Peralogical Delusions
- Rise
- Preach That Hate
- Persecution
- Triumph
- Apathy of Fear
- Burden of Society
- Drowning in Tears
- Screams from Hell
Terraphobia: Facebook
Release Year: 2022
Label: Darkstorm Records
Category: Album
Country: Australia
Reviewed by Phil Bergersen
