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ONLY HUMAN - PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE
Available now via Season of Mist - With Planned Obsolescence, Copenhagen’s ONLY HUMAN delivers a debut that marks a confident and forward-looking entry into modern progressive metal. Steering clear of overused genre tropes, the band shapes a sound that feels intentional and constantly evolving, striking a careful balance between technical precision and atmospheric depth. What defines the album most is its interplay of contrasts, where cold, urban textures collide with the haunting sense of unease. The compositions unfold with deliberate pacing, weaving intricate layers of instrumentation that ebb and flow like a cinematic narrative. Subtle shifts in rhythm and tone give each track its own distinct character while maintaining a cohesive overall atmosphere. Rather than relying solely on heaviness, the band emphasizes mood, progression, and storytelling, giving the record a clear sense of purpose and identity. Let’s take a journey through the album and discover whether the music lives up to its promise.
Our journey begins with the opener 'Drift', a song that grabs the listener and pulls them into a dark, tension-filled soundscape. Layered guitar lines and commanding vocals slowly gather force, creating a sense of suspense that feels almost tangible. When the crescendo finally arrives, a brooding darkness seems to unfold, and you can't shake the feeling and wonder what lies ahead of you. 'The Sun and the Moon' opens with shimmering piano notes layered over ethereal guitar lines, immediately drawing the listener into a dreamy, almost hypnotic soundscape. The dual vocals carry a deep emotional weight, and the chorus bursts with a memorable hook that swells to a breathtaking crescendo. The darkness of the opener gives way to a sense of warmth, like sunlight breaking through after a long winter. A trance-like melodic undercurrent flows throughout, while the longing in the screamed vocals adds an intriguing tension. Supported by a precise and expressive rhythm section, the track is both immersive and irresistibly engaging.bNext up is 'Death Cult' built on a foundation of moody piano, cinematic ambience, and soft synth textures. The gently sung clean vocals float effortlessly over this calming soundscape, blending seamlessly without any instrument overpowering another. While the vocals could initially have been a touch more prominent, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise expertly balanced track. Towards the end, the vocals do gain volume and presence, providing a satisfying lift and highlighting the song’s emotional depth.
'Automata' envisions a reality shaped by machines that move and act like humans, hinting at a technological takeover. Sparse, tense tones hover in the background as the vocals begin cautiously, gradually hardening while retaining their melodic core. By the time the chorus arrives, the track transforms into a storm of screaming vocals and a pulsing, waltz-like rhythm, channeling the underlying tension into an intense and gripping experience. 'Aspire' opens with delicate, crystalline tones, a quiet breath before the storm gathers its force. The pace gradually eases, creating a reflective space, while the vocals swell with grief and restrained anger, hinting at the turmoil yet to come. That anticipation finds its release in 'Breach' the album’s closing chapter. Tension coils through every note, as harsh vocals and pounding rhythms paint a landscape on the edge of collapse. The track rises toward a cathartic crescendo, ending in a raw, emotional exhalation that lingers long after the final echo fades.
"Planned Obsolescence" is a commanding debut that balances technical mastery with emotional depth, guiding the listener through tension, reflection, and release. It’s a journey that lingers—like the first rays of sunlight piercing a long, dark winter, leaving an impression that refuses to fade.
SCORE 8/10
Review by SWAMPY