COLISEUM
No Salvation
(Relapse)

TERHEN
Eyes Unfolded
(Firebox)

OXBOW
The Narcotic Story
(Hydra Head)

THESE ARE:
Scare Tactics
(Hold True)

TOMAHAWK
Anonymous
(Ipecac)

CAPITAL
Homefront 

(Revelation)

GET BACK UP
Weathering the Storm

(Organized Crime)

MORE REVIEWS

It was only a matter of time until an extreme metal combo incorporated one classical instrument as a living, breathing and elemental part of its overall sound. We ain’t talking sharing space, or rental points, guest spots or uninvited guests. We are talking full-fledged cello as an equal part of the band. What we are hearing here is a guitar sound that’s more than delighted to share the spotlight and a cello that unwittingly takes up space only through brief spaces of time to ultimately steal the show. For those totally curious about how some of Living Through the End Time… actually differs in comparison to your typical crusty metal hardcore release…well, besides the obvious nods to dark atmospherics, like during the grim beginning of “Death to the Sufferer”, it really doesn’t differ.

Oroku is not at all experimental.  The band has fitted the cello to their hard sound, but truth be told, this record would rock without it.  Most of the instrumental parts are elevated by a well-rehearsed sense of the melodic. The band incorporates hooks and mixes them with a crusty guitar tone and an abusive throaty voice. The presence of the cello gives Oroku a more singular personality but this is mostly audible through somewhat quieter passages, beginnings and ends. Needless to say, Oroku’s inclusion of cello as an intricate part of their sound has come about as an accent to the mostly depressing and somber vibe of the record. Living Through the End Time… is Oroku’s first full-length and as an introductory effort it includes a remastered version of their EP and a bonus song.

MySpace