Lots of hype around this Australian group and I never really understood why. Sure they got a great drummer and an interesting concept (influenced by HP Lovecraft’s fictional tales), but musically this is simply a murky, less-skilful version of Morbid Angel. Could it be that all artists that use masks or cloaks are destined for success, or is due to the fact that Portal’s albums were released by Profound Lore Records, which is led by the highly revered Chris Bruni? Whatever the reason, this new work hasn’t changed my opinion. “Vexovoid” is more of the same, expelling a muddy, noisey and tortuous sound that lures the listener down into an excruciating and dark hole. While that experience seems appealing for a few moments, opener “Kilter” for instance sees Portal incorporating a more polyrhythmic approach, offering some interesting and complex time signatures along the lines of Meshuggah, other times it seems to drag on a bit and sound like an indiscernible and agonizing wall of sound. Fans of the band will surely disagree with me, but the truth is that Portal were never a consensual group, you either like it or you don’t and I just don’t have the stomach to endure such tortuous and excruciating atmosphere.
Band info: www.facebook.com/portaldeath
Label info: www.profoundlorerecords.com
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