Review: “Core” by Metasoma

“There is a specific kind of numbness that comes when unfortunate events happen in quick succession; these songs are our way of fighting that anaesthesia. Whether we are digging through the attic of mixed childhood memories or scattering the ashes of a toxic relationship, the goal is the same: to learn from the mistakes of our forefathers and do better. We’ve turned these struggles into sonic paintings, but we leave the final interpretation to the listener’s own sensitivity.” ~ Metasoma

Founded in London in 2009 by guitarist Michal “Misiek” Sedzielewski, Metasoma have been blazing a trail of their own by combining the melodic song craft of Alter Bridge with the rhythmic hostility and groove of Pantera. Early records like 2011 EP “Metal Erosion” and 2014 album “Mirror Of Life” opened the door for them to support heavyweights including  Vader, Sanctuary and Illusion before headlining the iconic Camden Underworld. Described as a pessimistic hellscape from the mind of vocalist Vlad Iancu and a sonic mirror held up to war, propaganda and the false righteousness of modern reality, their latest burnt offering is titled “Core“.

Curiously first song “Downfall” is the only one of this collection produced by Filip Halucha (Behemoth, Vader) at Heinrich House Studio, it’s Melodic Death Metal overtones with death growled backing vocals and vibrant yet melancholic leads hitting a wall of clean vocals and pummelling percussion. The contrasting textures make for interesting listening because fans of the heavier side of Metasoma will want the backing vocals to be brought forward in the mix while those who prefer their more Traditional Heavy Metal leanings will be very happy with this. Halucha has given them an edge with this opening cut and it feels like a plot twist in a horror movie.The remaining tracks are produced by Dawid Konrad Rydz and while they aren’t quite as potent as the opening cut, they’re pretty damn close. “Attic” has some glorious technical rhythms and soaring clean sung moments, the huge chorus with lines like “I pull through, in spite of you!” giving it an air of defiance.

“Omen” is something of a playful homage to System of a Down, returning to the heavier aspects introduced with the opening track including harsher vocals and crunchier guitars. Violent chugs evolve into powerful rhythms, the low end groove masterfully done but what makes it is how vocalist Vlad Iancu captures the unhinged spirit of Serj Tankian at his finest and then uses it sparingly enough to make an impact without over doing it.

The potent groove of “Shock” feels like a nostalgic throwback to the late 90’s and early 2000’s of such high quality that resistance is futile and while the quintet aren’t doing anything you haven’t heard before with this, they’re doing it so well that no one will care. They’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, they’re just trying to have fun and express themselves and that’s exactly what this is. “Horizon” brings the bloodstained curtain down upon the collection in style, the anthemic qualities of the chorus matched perfectly by the grinding verse, although why it’s not called “Rise and Fall” is a complete mystery because it would make more sense. Staccato riff breaks and an epic solo ensure the grand finale packs a punch and by the end you can’t help but want to hear more from the quintet [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Downfall
2. Attic
3. Omen
4. Shock
5. Horizon

“Core” by Metasoma is out 2nd August 2026