Toughness “Black Respite of Oblivion”

Label: Godz Ov War · Year: 2025

Toughness is a relatively new band formed in Poland in 2020, consisting of quite young musicians. The band plays a tough brand of death metal with strong bass riffs and dominant rhythmic guitar lines, influenced by early Decapitated, Demilich, and old Gorguts, along with touches of tech/jazz compositions.

On this second full-length album, I can say they’ve taken their music much further compared to their 2022 release, The Prophetic Dawn. A rhythmic and dark songwriting style dominates all the tracks. There are minor production flaws, but overall, the album has a rather acoustic, raw sound and production.

Most of the compositions are built around bass guitar-driven riffs. I wouldn’t call it a weak point—probably more of a conscious choice—but lead guitars and riffs could have been a bit more creative and occasionally more prominent.

All in all, I’m quite satisfied with this album. Death metal fanatics and underground metal heads who enjoy haunted technicality in extreme form—this one’s for you!