It seems like an eternity since we all last gathered for a brutal beating by Gatineau, Quebec metallic extremists, Insurrection. Their last studio effort, Extraction, dropped way back in 2017. A few things have changed in that time, including some members. Gone are long-time members, Philipe Moreau-Latreille (drums), Vincent Laprade Séguin (guitars), and Francis Girard (bass). In there place are Martin Samson (former guitarist who returns on bass), Jay Cross (drums), and Antonin Perras-Foisy (who has been a member since 2013, but hasn’t been credited on any albums in that time). Regardless, it is immediately clear upon pushing play on their brand new album, Obsolescence, that the band have adapted to their new situation incredibly well.

The album begins with a foray into creepy territory, with a very ominous intro that sounds like a circus summoned from south of heaven (the place, not the classic song). This gives way to one of the album’s most brutal track, ‘The Gathering’; a mid-paced crusher with a riff that will immediately spawn vicious circle pits. As crushingly hard as that main riff is, it gives way to an intensity that is sure to shred heads. This song actually gives Cannibal Corpse a run for their money, as it is very much in the same vein as ‘Scourge Of Iron’ from Cannibal‘s 2012 album, Torture. Vocalist, Stéphane ‘Barbu’ Jomphe, is in fine form here, his gutturals never sounding better. The third track, ‘Failures Of The Flesh’ is just as brootal, but also has an infectious harmony/melody that presents itself about halfway into the song, not unlike the very best of early Swedish melodic death metal.

‘Le Secret de Dieux’ (translated to ‘The Secret of Gods’) is probably the album’s catchiest song. That opening riff’s vertigo inducing chug is immediately infectious, with some seriously frantic foot work by new drummer, Jay Cross. Vocalist, Barbu, really shines on this track, with his LG Petrov-like bark and brutal bellow. In fact, many of the tracks on Obsolescence have a very Firespawn-like vibe. Barbu also makes good use of both his low and high vocals on this track, proving that he ain’t just a one-trick guttural pony. ‘Nemesis’ starts things off with an incredibly thrashy riff that quickly segues into that tell-tale Insurrection brutality. Definitely the album’s thrashiest track, with some mind-numbing, stomp-inducing riffage.

Is it me, or does this thing just keep getting catchier? Track six, ‘Hostile Takeover’, is gonna stick with me for a long time, especially that incredibly memorable chorus. The riff about halfway through recalls the catchiest moshing moments of Anthrax, which is something I thought I’d never say when it comes to Insurrection. The last third of the song is absolutely awesome, with, again, a very Swedish melodic death metal feel that ends the song off in epic fashion. ‘Obsession’ is definitely the fastest track on the album. This beast does not let up, not even for one moment. Just when you think you are gonna get a breather… nope… neck-breaking speed is the law of the land on this one. ‘Charogne’ (which translates to ‘Carrion’) is, arguably, the most unique and technical track of the bunch. It’s main riff is quite the ear-perplexer, coming off as slightly tech-y, but not at the expense of brutality. The vocal chants of the chorus are a very cool touch, giving the track that extra layer of balls.

Dare I say that track nine, ‘Initiate The End’, has a bit of bounce in it? And I’m not talking about the kinda bounce that comes with Adidas track pants. This bounce is of the brutal kind, snapping spinal cords with it’s guturral groove. There is a deepness to the riffs on this song, with some very cool progressive-like layering. If you pay close attention, there is a fuck of a lot going on in this one. Quite impressive. ‘Obsolete’ is another mid-paced crusher that bulldozes its way throughout its five minutes. There are some very cool vocal patterns in this one that perfectly compliment the low-end chug that drives the song forward. A killer, slightly-subdued solo presents itself about midway through, which transitions into another very memorable melody. The track ends as heavy as it began, only to fade out into a beautiful acoustic interlude, which then gives way to some heavy guitar swells (that wouldn’t have sounded out of place on Metallica‘s classic ‘… And Justice For All’). If you were thinking this was a reprieve from all the brutality you have been subjected to over the last ten songs, well, you’d be wrong. The final track, ‘Bless The Machine’, opens with a truly anguished scream over top an At The Gates-flavoured riff. Again, much of the galloping, melodic riffage found on this song is of the Swedish kind, but presented in a wholly Quebecois death metal package.

Insurrection have easily out-done themselves with Obsolescence. This is, without doubt, world-class, groove-heavy death metal that can go toe to fucking toe with any band in the sub-genre. The production and mix is second to none, perfectly capturing the unique intensity of the songs. Obsolesence will be unleashed onto the world stage on September 13th via Bam&Co-Heavy. Head here to digitally pre-save the album now.