Review: “Severance” by Ophelia’s Eye

“”Severance” was recorded to capture our most honest and unfiltered sound. Influenced by personal struggle and a world in turmoil, it unfolds stories of isolation, betrayal, and fragile hope. Each track is a cathartic release, an echo of our times, and a testament to resilience.” ~ Ophelia’s Eye

A five piece Swiss Metalcore act known to muse on social grievances and global issues, Ophelia’s Eye are a band we’ve followed since their 2021 debut EP “Fight For Us“. There have been line up changes along the way with drummer Marco Schweizer, guitarist Remo Lemp and vocalist Michel Egloff-Sieber all exiting stage left at various points. That has brought about something of an evolution in sound with 2024’s “Catharsis” noticeably thematically darker and lyrically more intense than the bands previous offerings. So how do vocalist Jan Brasser, guitarist Noah Peier, bassist Sandro Suter, drummer Noé Beivi alongside guitarist and vocalist Corinne Ryter approach the bands fourth record? The answer to that is by diving into the black depths of the psychological shadows of the human condition, confronting themes of social injustice, emotional disconnection and the chaotic state of the world…

If you were expecting something somber or sobering then like Jordan Howlett the infamous American foodie who throws his glasses across the room when he he finds something delicious he can eat a lot of, guess again because “Enter The Arena” lays down the gauntlet for the current crop of Metalcore bands straight out of the gate. A brutal roar from Brasser in the first few seconds sets the tone, the towering rhythmic battery and crunchy guitars reinforcing the fury. Things get bouncy in the mid section with staccato riff breaks and a venomous vocal tirade, the introspective lyrical narrative turning to a clenched fist moment as the band reach into the void of Deathcore for a punchy finale. Holding a cracked mirror up the works of Australian Metalcore acts like Polaris and In Hearts Wake “Disconnected” brings in a dark, rich melody and some clean vocal parts with a little bit of programming to embellish it. Smoother than a pebble and harder than a rock, this one is still more than capable of smashing a window from twenty yards, the hummable patterns glowing with the heat.

Brasser rap-screams his way through the shadow of intent with the menacing “Worship Decay“, a cut that feels like it finds inspiration from “Alien” era Northlane with its deep groove laden guitars. Vocally harsh and sonically the push that makes you move, this one is another to savor with depth and texture in nuances that rise to the surface over repeated listens. Continuing to refine and redefine the bands sound, tightening up the hooks and injecting yet more verve and swagger, title track “Severance” is a Metalcore classic. Soaring clean vocals and another hummable melody sit nicely alongside the blood spitting uncleans and pummeling rhythms to create another gloriously angry anthem. Screaming resilience in the face of anguish this one hits hard giving pause for thought long after the ears have stopped ringing because it resonates. “Letters” is the only track to be adorned by clean vocals from Ryter which intertwine with Brasser in classic Euro-Metal style, the warmth of the synths a wonderful addition. Another independent band who prove they can rival the major players with ease, this record should see the band step onto bigger stages if there is any justice in the world [8/10]

Track listing

1. Enter The Arena
2. Disconnected
3. Worship Decay
4. Severance
5. Letters

“Severance” by Ophelia’s Eye is out 12th December 2025