Opprobrium
Beyond The Unknown


5.0
classic

Review

by grungethrash91 USER (9 Reviews)
March 9th, 2011 | 74 replies


Release Date: 1990 | Tracklist

Review Summary: By far the most accomplished of Incubus's (opprobrium) works, it perfectly combines brutality with mature songwriting and a professional production. One of the best albums of the early 90's I highly recommend this to anyone who likes early death metal.

Now known as Opprobrium, Incubus, hailing from Rio de Janeiro Brazil, were true innovators in the early death metal scene on the late 80s/early 90s. It is a shame they hardly get any credit for their contributions. After releasing their fine debut, which could be the most extreme in the genre, Incubus went through a major stylistic change in terms of direction. Something happed to the band between 1988 and 1990 that would forever change the band. In my opinion, it was the departure of the original vocalist, Scott Latour, which gave Francis M. Howard an opportunity to lead the band in a much more complex direction. Whether this was for better or for worse, the result was a truly awesome achievement for both the band, and death metal album known as beyond the unknown.

To say that some improvement had occurred would be a huge understatement, as every aspect from production values, so song arrangement, and musicianship had improved tenfold. No longer does the material have a "garage demo" sound quality like on Serpent Temptation. Morrisound really did a great job on this one. The drums are easily audible with their crisp clear sound. And the guitar sound (and guitar tone in particular,) has greatly improved.

In terms of songwriting, this is the best the band had put fourth so far, with numerous time signature changes, giving the album and almost progressive nature, but it's still also very brutal and straight forward in some section's recalling the Sadus debut as it's best. Apart from the numerous technical passages throughout the album, the solos also add a distinct and chaotic feel to the music, now done with much more sophistication than on the previous album. Take for instance, the hectic and yet well written solo on Certain Accuracy, sounding like a much more, shall we say professional version of Kerry King. Guitarist Francis M. Howard really shreds on this one. In addition, he also play all the bass tracts on the album, proving just how diverse and talented of a musician Francis is.

Drummer Moyses M. Howard has also developed more, and play with much more deliberate and tight thrash beats. While his thrash beats aren't nearly as fast as on Serpent Temptation, they are equally compelling and are dong with more variation and technique, than before, in many ways similar to Pete "Commando" Sandoval's performance on the slower sections of blessed are the sick. The usage of double bass in more prevalent as well.

Bar far the most advanced Incubus release upon the time's of it's release, it was, and still is a true classic of early Death Metal, and one of the first technical death metal albums. Incubus could have definitely owned the 90's death metal scene if they would have continued to release albums. Sadly, Beyond the Unknown would be their last project for quite some time, as the mainstream band of the same name would gain considerable popularity, forcing the band off the scene, and into hiatus for years. Regardless, it must be know that this is the original Incubus, and their contributions death metal are to great to ignore.

Orginally written by me on Encyclopedia metallum.

http://www.metal-archives.com/review.php?id=69613



Recent reviews by this author
Sepultura Beneath The RemainsMerciless The Treasures Within
Death LeprosyMerciless The Awakening
Opprobrium Serpent TemptationSadus A Vision of Misery
user ratings (108)
4.1
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
DEATHTOPOSERS
March 9th 2011


7 Comments


Hellyeah! the original Incubus!!!

Progmastershoulddie
March 9th 2011


3 Comments


I really love this band. This album is so hard to find nowadays. Nice review.

Buccaneer
March 9th 2011


747 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I knew I recognised that album art! I had no idea they had to change their name though

Anthracks
March 9th 2011


8206 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

this album has always been so overrated

Urinetrouble
March 9th 2011


5771 Comments


Songer was on the first CC album

ButcheredChildren
March 10th 2011


5590 Comments


is this really that good?

scissorlocked
March 10th 2011


3538 Comments


this smells like thrash. Never heard of the band



alachlahol
March 10th 2011


7593 Comments


grunge fuckin thrash ninety fuckin one you are the man thought you werent coming back this site needs more of your reviews these other ass clowns are lowering the standard of what should be considered quality material

xcharlesx
March 10th 2011


192 Comments


serpent temptation is bester

grungethrash91
March 15th 2011


97 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

@alachlahol, Thanks. I always try to write accurate and serious reviews.



grungethrash91
March 15th 2011


97 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

@xcharlesx, I do like Serpent Temptation more, but musically, I think this is their best. But S.T is just unbeatable. I own it on vinyl.

seedofnothing
January 10th 2012


3422 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

m/







oltnabrick
July 4th 2013


40765 Comments


m/


Donchivo
August 8th 2013


2036 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

awesome to see a review of this gem and you naile dit imo! The mix between complex song-writing and totally faceripping straight forward grooves and beats does it for me and makes this better than its predecessor!

evilford
September 20th 2013


66973 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

holy shit these riffs omfg

Mister Twister
August 8th 2014


2721 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

hoo boy

DePlazz
April 9th 2015


4681 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Always liked this a lot. 'Massacre of the unborn' slays.

evilford
April 9th 2015


66973 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

So the fact that the mainstream incubus gained popularity forced this band to stop making material? That's pretty funny actually

Mister Twister
May 11th 2016


2721 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

so the Opprobrium submission for this is 0.2 higher than the Incubus one



also Serpent Temptation by Incubus is 0.3 higher than Serpent Temptation by Opprobrium

DePlazz
May 11th 2016


4681 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

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