Even though the band’s moniker may lure in casual Nile fans, France’s Nephren Ka is actually centered around Frank Hebert (Dune author) themes, despite the fact their style of modern, clinical, technical death metal, still is actually a bit Nile sounding, just without all of the Egyptian instrumentation and sand in your crack.

Unfortunately, the end result is a rather middling if solid death metal release that was bound to get lost in 2013’s slew of high profile, high quality death metal. With a very American delivery and sound, there is nothing incompetent in The Fall of Omnius. The musicians all can play at a high level, the vocals are layered, suitably gruff and guttural and there is an ample mix of furious Origin like blasts, solos and mid paced rumbles. And while none of the songs really stand out, it’s all certainly full of conviction and skill. Even though it’s not really sticking with me, I don’t feel the need to skip it either, as it hits the 43 minute sweet spot.

Second track “Mastering the Voice” highlights the busy shreddage and Origin-y feel as does 5th track “Feydakins’s Storm”, “The Cymek Revolution” and blatantly for start of “Legend of Selim (pt.2: the Return of the Worm-Rider)”. There are a couple of slower tracks as well, but the focus of the album is definitely a modern, clean precision. But even with the large amount of intense, if a little forgetful blasting, the band manage to close the album on a relatively high note in the almost 8 minute “To the Golden Path”, which mixes in a little more pacing and variety to the urgent, shrill blasting. It certainly shows promise for future releases, even if it’s a little too late to elevate this album into something a little more impactful.

[Visit the band's website]

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