ALBUM REVIEW: HUMANOID - BABIRUSA
Brisbane deathcore band, Babirusa, will turn heads with their debut album titled Humanoid. When you hear their music, it’ll be no surprise that they’re named after an animal whose tusks can sometimes grow towards their skulls, piercing their brain and killing them. Prior to this upcoming release, Babirusa were a “...homegrown and...completely DIY band.”
The opening track, 343, establishes the story that this concept album entails. Beginning with a long instrumental intro, a robotic voice – known as ‘343’ – can be heard speaking in the background, questioning their own existence.
Desolation System starts with heavy screams that’ll have you jolting out of your seat. Featuring double kicks, a melodic guitar riff and plenty of pig-squealing, it will soon become one of your favourite songs on the album!
The next track, Humanoid, once again incorporates 343’s robotic vocal dialogue– this time exploring the repercussions of becoming self-aware – to the tune of guitar speed-picking. It’s not long before the rest of the instruments kick in!
Catatonia explores the trepidation’s of human existence. Continuing with the storyline of 343, he soon begins to contemplate the possibility of becoming “...something unknown against his will.” Ending with a conversation between him and a similar technological entity, you can hear the fear and hesitation in his voice.
Serving as a shorter interlude song, Reflection features double-kicks, distorted guitars and insane drum fills that allow the five-piece to showcase their technical abilities.
Pendulum Swing is quick to bring back the heavy vocals in the form of screams, growls and more pig squeals. Keep an ear out for the sick breakdown towards the end!
Their next song, Resistor, features a melodic section with a snare fill and guitar riffs, before it dives back into its’ usual heaviness.
Abomination begins with a fade in, slowly amping up the instrumentation. Containing sustained guitar notes and a cool-techno beat that stands out in the mix, it’s hard not to head-bang along!
The next track, titled Dehumanized Populace, has one of my favourite song openings on the album. Their skills as musicians are highlighted with the small intricate details embedded throughout the song. Ending ominously with choir vocals, it’s hard not to see that the conclusion of the album is near.
Zerohour begins with an insane amount of double kicks, before a voice can be heard explaining the connection between humanity and technology. Featuring a heavy breakdown, melodic guitars and a half-time drum section, Zerohour serves as a fitting conclusion.
Babirusa uses Humanoid to call out the demise of humanity through “...our own technological evolution.” Fans of deathcore bands such as Thy Art is Murder and Gravemind will definitely love this!