Contrarian Reshape Progressive Death Metal on “Zabur of Satfiyah al Shamal" (Early Track Stream)

February 14, 2023

Rochester, New York’s Contrarian vintage progressive death metal operates within tight confines. It’s brain-bending but inviting, extending a hand through intricate yet digestible guitar work and time song structures. If you’re familiar with them, then this is par for the course. Those who aren’t may expect OSDM with splashing time signatures. However, Contrarian harken back to a specific era during the 90s when death metal began converging with jazz and progressive rock influences. This fusion gave way to a scene steeped in metal but with significance on musical expression through weaponizing the latter genres. It was introspective and pushed death metal from its atavistic roots.

“Zabur of Satfiyah al Shamal,” Contrarian’s latest single from their upcoming fifth studio album Sage of Shekhinah continues down this path, though they’re now armed with new vocalist Jakob Sin and drummer Alex Cohen. The latter’s resume includes early work with Imperial Triumphant and Pyrrhon. As such, he’s perfectly suited for Contrarian calculated chaos. Meanwhile, Sin is a welcome addition. His vocals are knife sharp, slicing rather than bludgeoning, while his higher vocal register pair wonderfully with Contrarian’s guitar tones. These two new members solidify their spot in Contrarian’s roster on “Zabur of Satfiyah al Shamal” after their promising debuts on “In Gehenna” in January. Check out the new single below before it releases this Friday.

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