Review by SzejkElRopa on July 8, 2026.

I have heard many good things about Terrestrial Hospice; however, as often happens with me, I never check them out. As I obtained the promo to the band's newest album, "Omnicide - Chapter I", I began to be curious what this duo has to offer. Apart from the fact that the album features Behemoth's drummer, I didn't know almost anything about the band, apart from some mentions here and there on social media. One thing I can say for sure is that I don't regret checking them out.

The music, on the other hand, was, at least to me, quite original. Despite the soft opening, I was surprised by the overwhelming, even alarming sound of the guitars, as well as the heaviness of the drums. In simple terms, the album bursts with brutality, with almost no slower, softer, or more melodic moments. The closest possible comparison to the sound I can think of is that it is very apocalyptic and nihilistic. The tracks sound as though they were a journey through a burning world. Mostly led by ferocious blastbeats, there are some moments which can be described as more "atmospheric". For instance, "Phosphoric Salvation" features a great mid-paced middle section with a riff accompanied by wonderful, exuberant bass lines. Moreover, on this very track appears a melody that is definitely one of the album's highlights, as it fits the sinister music and is catchy. What's worth pointing out is the repetitive motif of terrifying screams that appear on the album. It undoubtedly gives the album an apocalyptic vibe. In "The Couloir Of Despair", piercing tremolo riffs add value to the vile nature of the music, again enriching the atmosphere. The best example comes at the end of the song, when the riff is accompanied by the aforementioned scream. Apocalyptic tunes do not stop here, because "Serpents In The Grass" has tense-sounding guitar lines, evoking the feelings of unrest. Faster tracks, such as "Depraver (Black Invocation)" are focused on fury and hate, notably with the non-stop prominent drumwork, as well as the sinister screams of the vocalist.

Despite the dense atmosphere, which, I admit, required several listens to delve into, the band manages to keep one's interest, with many interesting moves that are in the spirit of old-school black metal. Each track differs from the others., maybe apart from some weaker moments on "Meanace" and "Drowning Spirit" that are, to my mind, not as good as the other tracks. There is some repetition, such as in "Serpents In The Grass", when the song slows down twice. Despite the classical structure, the songs aren't easy to predict, but in spite of that, Terrestrial Hospice most of the time delivers rewarding results. The guitarwork varies from heavy riffs, especially in faster moments, to slower, more atmospheric melodies, which never feel out of tune. "Serpents In The Grass" also features an unpredictable guitar solo, which is a great addition. The drumwork is as impressive as expected, with Inferno delivering fills over and over, and in general, showing his best skills. The sound of the drums, although highlighted in the mix, doesn't overtake the album. Instead, it gives the music the power it needs. The bass is, fortunately, audible most of the time. And lastly, the vocals, dare I say, explode with aggression, definitely work with the rest of the instruments. Unfortunately, there is only one type of them, however, this isn't the biggest problem here.

My first encounter with Terrestrial Hospice was quite surprising in a good way. "Omnicide - Chapter I" is a journey filled with negativity and scorn, enriched by great instrumental work. Although not every track was as well-crafted as "The Couloir Of Despair", I am eager to check more of their stuff in the future. Therefore, my final rating is 8.5/10. Maybe it stems from my unfamiliarity with the band's catalogue, and I have to listen to more of their discography? Who knows? Nevertheless, recommended for the fans of heavier black metal.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10