On the Radar: Born of Osiris

Originally this was a post meant to go up about three to four months ago, but for one reason or another I never got around to finishing it. Until now.

I figured what better way to introduce a new type of 'segment' to the Blaarg then to use an original post I had in mind that still holds true to this moment in time. And so the On the Radar segment was born (literally right now with this post).

As I mentioned in my most recent post, On the Radar is meant to showcase upcoming releases by various artists that are on my watch list. A chance to also discuss my favorite artists and others that have piqued my interests.

So let's skip the formalities and get down to business shall we?

Born of Osiris - The Discovery

Label: Sumerian
Genre: Progressive Death Metal / Metalcore
Release Date: March 22, 2011

Previous Releases:  The New Reign (2007);
A Higher Place (2009)

Formerly performing under the name of Rosecrance, among others, Born of Osiris are a six piece metal outfit based out of Chicago IL.

I originally discovered BoO in 2008 and caught them for the first time live, when they were in Ottawa in January of 2009, on tour with Unearth - as you can guess, it was an awesome night.

Born of Osiris is a group that has always fused elements of progressive and technical death metal, together with metalcore to create a sound relatively unique to themselves. The evolution of their sound from their debut album, The New Reign to their sophomore album, A Higher Place was truly spectacular.

Where a near omnipresent focus on polyrhythms and breakdowns, with timely synth interludes, and strong growls on the part of Ronnie Canizaro was present in The New Reign, their second album turned the technical gauge up to a new level. Joe Buras' presence on keys and backing vocals was much more prominent, adding just the right type of ambiance to an album chock full of elegant guitar work and drumming. The subtlety between Ronnie's mid-range growls and Joe's screams made for an improved and strong vocal quality, rounding out the improved sound of the group.

In early 2010, BoO announced that they were going to begin recording their third full length album. But they also broke news of working on a three track EP to be recorded and produced by Misha Mansoor of Periphery, which was to be released in late 2010 - or so the rumors went. So for a while there was confusion, until a teaser track was released in August showcasing sections of three new tracks.

A slew of live footage of BoO performing new material while on tour in 2010 is available all over the net, particularly that of the track Wheaton (third track on the teaser embedded below).

My initial reaction to the teaser was that this album is going to easily rank within my favorites for 2011. The guitar work once again sounds a step-up and improved, incorporating the range of 7-string guitars. Cameron Losch's drumming is looking to be just as proficient and superb as always, and the overall transition work also looks to make The Discovery one of the better albums of the year to come.

If you're a fan of their earlier work, then you should be sure to jot down The Discovery on your list of must haves for 2011. Born of Osiris will once again prove why they are one of the staple groups in Sumerian's stable of excellent artists on March 22nd - a busy day in the Metalverse, as will be evidence in some of my future On the Radar posts.

Born of Osiris is currently on tour in Europe and will be co-headlining the Atticus Metal III tour with Darkest Hour starting February 25th. Rounding out the lineup will be As Blood Runs Black, The Human Asbtract and guest appearances by Sleeping Giant, In the Midst of Lions and This of the Apocalypse.

In the meantime you can check out Born of Osiris on their MySpace at: http://www.myspace.com/bornofosiris.

And as mentioned above, here's that short three track teaser posted back in August.



- J