The Illinois trio have essentially been metalcore mainstays since their explosion on to the scene with 2009’s A Higher Place. In the years following, the genre hit its crossroads, hit the mainstream (for better or for worse), and is arguably now in a state of flux. Throughout it all, Born of Osiris – and their symbiotic relationship with Sumerian records – have been the constant.
Through the aforementioned (and shortly lived) vacation into the mainstream, BOO’s DNA as a technical/progressive metalcore band stayed firm. A tough feat when bands like Sleeping With Sirens and Of Mice & Men were reaching into the top 5 of the Billboard 200 with more diluted offerings of what the genre was defined by.
This is all prevalent because with Through Shadows, you press play already feeling a level of authenticity from and respect for the band. It’s technical. It’s visceral. It’s, well, it’s Born Of Osiris.
The opening one-two of Seppuku’ and ‘Elevate’ blend contemporary techno blasts with BOO’s patented double bass drum bite. This is as modern as the trio have sounded in some time. Yet, due to the proficiency and occasional audacity of the band’s patented riff work in place: pre-existing Osiris fans won’t feel ostracised here.
Where recent offerings have felt like grandiose showcases of guitar showmanship, Through Shadows satisfies a variety of desires. ‘The War That You Are’ is a beacon for everything the band have been and could yet become. A chorus begged to be sung in unison is wrapped in razor sharp riffs and dual layered vocals. Drummer Cameron Losch remains as dexterous as ever too, travelling across his toms like Thor through the nine realms.
The band’s attempt at using Through Shadows to widen their musical scope becomes most apparent on ‘Activated’. From sax, to a Spencer Chamberlain guest spot and a classic rock styled lead guitar solo: pin this track down to a genre at your peril. Conversely, the bands ambition feels disjointed in actuality. Ultimately, a myriad of musical ideas are present, but few of them land with the standard Osiris bite.
Similarly, ‘Inverno’ attempts to widen their musical trio’s scope with its fluctuating tempos and high arched vocal Melodie’s. But the pursuit of cinematic excellence never quite comes to fruition.
Undoubtedly, Through Shadows is at its best when it utilises what Osiris have already cemented and speed dates this with experimentation. The aptly titled ‘A Mind Short Circuiting’ pushes djent riffs through a bruising rhythm while ‘Dark Fable’ is unhinged chaos that plays beautifully with transient, guitar lead melody.
Smart money suggests that despite the bands recent turmoil, Born of Osiris will remain to be the constant we’re all thankful for in two years time. Their intelligent, rough around the edges song writing appears to have stretched its limbs but remains as brutish and carnivorous as you want it to be. Bands have joined, left and tried to reinvent the scene during their time in the genre, but Born of Osiris continue to be the well oiled machine in the background making everything tick.