Review: “Programming Sentiency” by Virology

Virology is the scientific discipline concerned with the study of the biology of viruses and viral diseases, including the distribution, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, ecology, evolution and clinical aspects of viruses. It also happens to be the name of choice for a trio of seasoned musicians hailing from Cardiff who have used all of their collective experiences to create a Science Fiction based Death Metal, recorded, mixed and mastered in house by guitarist and programmer Jonathan “Fan” Evans (Coedwig Machen, Diafol, Gates of Carpathia). He is joined by fellow former Necrocest member in bassist James “Bunny” Bunsworth (ex-The Drowning) with vocalist and lyricist James Birkett (Blind Divide) rounding out the outfit, who make their debut with “Programming Sentiency“…

It’s clear that the creative urge ensures this trio are unable to relax when you look at their long list of prior convictions even before the restless and relentless “BIO-Metamorphosis” finds the drum machine set to overdrive. It’s programmed jackhammer footwork and blasting combinations border on the inhuman but still possible if a great like Kevin Talley (Chimaira, Dying Fetus, Suffocation) was available. A funky little bass moment after the brutal opening is a double take moment that later repeats while Birkett demonstrates rage in both Death Metal and Slam vocal territories, the solo a tasteful surprise. These tales are kept clinical despite their disturbing nature and “Advanced Viral Mutagenesis” finds those funky bass moments continuing to crack a smile on the face of the hardest of Metal heads. Dark and sinister, this one has some more technical riffs from Fan, who indulges in demonic rhythms like a man possessed. A well placed quote from 1997’s Starship Troopers ushers in the brutal “Planetary Hive, The Extinction” while offering a hint at the bands lyrical inspirations, a vicious cut with some serious guttural punch. What the band do very well is create an atmosphere of swirling darkness and then maintain it, dragging you in to a black hole kicking and screaming as they do so. Bursts of blast beats re-decorate the walls with blood and bone on the more mechanical sounding “Cybernetic Core Enhancement” although despite that cold edge, the solos are so warm they cut through the ice like a blow torch. There are moments that have roots of influence from “Soul Of A New Machine” era Fear Factory and that’s before the skull splitting title track. An adrenaline rush from start to finish, the grand finale is an artillery shelling from which there is no escape. If that wasn’t enough to secure a spot at Obscene Extreme Festival 2024 then what is? [7/10]

Track Listing

1. BIO-Metamorphosis
2. Advanced Viral Mutagenesis
3. Planetary Hive, The Extinction
4. Cybernetic Core Enhancement
5. Programming Sentiency

“Programming Sentiency” by Virology is out now and available over at bandcamp.