UMUR
"Discerning Forces" is the debut full-length studio album by US death/thrash metal act Opprobrium. The album was released through Nuclear Blast Records in May 2000. Opprobrium was originally called Incubus, and released two albums under that monicker in the late eighties/early nineties, but they were forced to change their name because of trademark issues. All instruments and vocals were recorded by the Howard brothers, Moyes M. Howard (drums) and Francis M. Howard (vocals, bass, guitars). "Discerning Forces" was recorded in the brother´s native Brazil in late 1999.
"Beyond the Unknown (1990)", which was the last Incubus album, is a bit of a death/thrash classic, but quite a bit of water has run under the bridge since the release of that album, and 10 years down the line the world of music looked very different from the time when that album was released. Name change and other issues aside though Opprobrium sounds a lot like Incubus did, just in a more brutal, darker, and aggressive version. I dare say the music on "Discerning Forces" is slightly less sophisticated than the music on "Beyond the Unknown (1990)", but that doesn´t mean it´s primitive or simple by any means. It´s still death/thrash metal featuring tempo changes, heavy groove laden riffs, and faster paced thrashy riffing, and to top it off Francis M. Howard´s raw and semi-growling vocals. His vocal style can be described as a mix of Max Cavalera (Sepultura) and Chuck Schuldiner (Death). Late eightes Sepultura is also a valid reference when it comes to the overall sound of the music. Compared to "Beyond the Unknown (1990)" the music features more groove and fewer solos, but other than that it´s audible that it´s the same band playing even though they´ve changed their name.
The album features a very raw and heavy sounding production that suits the music pretty well. The musicianship is strong overall, although the drumming by Moyes M. Howard sounds slightly untight at points. It´s not necessarily a turn off though as it does provide the music with an organic touch.
"Discerning Forces" is overall a pretty powerful and enjoyable death/thrash metal album although I wouldn´t say it reaches the heights of "Beyond the Unknown (1990)", which is an album that is often and rightfully referred to as a death/thrash metal classic. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.