The Way to Oblivion

With strong riffing and overall adept presentation of songwriting, The Way To Oblivion is one of the more memorable and lucrative thrash metal releases in recent memory. Firstly, the songs are very controlled in their structure. Even though I'm not that fond of overuse of verse-chorus structured songs, if you couldn't tell from my other reviews, the formulaic songwriting here is so effective in putting forward the heavy and accessible sound of Divine Chaos that I can't help but enjoy it. As for the guitar work, there are brilliant ideas put into both the rhythm and lead sections, due to sophisticated articulation and technicality mixed with catchiness and heaviness in the riffs. This album is also scorching tight, with very intense and fast sections that the band, especially the drummer, tackles with ease.

Another impressive characteristic of this album is the professional production. Sounding like a new Testament album with crystal clear guitar tracks and insanely dynamic, panned drums. Jut's vocals are great, with low, projected growls that sound deathcore-influenced, giving the otherwise straightforward thrash metal sound of the music a slight death metal twinge. The consistency in his voice is also enjoyable, as the guttural tone doesn't sound awkward or contrived when tracked over the melodic riffs. Overall, The Way To Oblivion is a showcase of extreme musical coherency and writing ability, including many memorable and well-composed songs like Serpent Words and Angel of Misery. This album is a great effort of technicality and crushing impact.