Album Review: Confess – Destination Addiction (EVIN Productions)

Following on from the release of their universally praised 2022 album ‘Revenge at All Costs’, Iranian-Norwegian metallers Confess have returned with their latest offering; ‘Destination Addiction’, which is set for release on January 31st, 2025 through EVIN Productions.

Confess’ intention with ‘Destination Addiction’ is to ask the question – What happens when you’ve survived things that no-one should have to?

A question that few will be able to answer, let alone answer from a point of legitimate knowledge, but one that has its roots in aspects of life that all can relate too. Which is the angle that Confess come from here. They’re not answering the question, rather, they are discussing and portraying some of the inevitable outcomes. It is an album that delves deep into themes of isolation, depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts.

They do this in the only way they know how, through the medium of heavy metal, aggressive and intense, but highly listenable. Focusing on a darker side of their sound, one born from honesty and the reality of their personal plights, and delivering effective force via a cacophony of heavy and technically proficient extreme noise. Confess do metal very well.

It’s a focus that is clear with a series of harsh and heavy tracks that each have an addictive quality. In the case of opening track, Built on A Grave, it’s the crashing drums, and in the case of the following Slaughterhouse, it’s the furious combination of vocal growls and manic riffing that gives it a strong death metal flavour.

Then there is Expedition, which finds Confess in a stompy and groovy mood, a track to get a pit started. Before Dark on Both Sides changes the vibe with the most mood-altering track so far. Confess really start to lean into their dark side here, and while there is no arguing with their heavy power, they are also masters of atmosphere too. It is one of the strongest tracks of all and complimented by Suicide Song, an all-out blast of screaming riff-focused brutality.

One half done; one half delivered on. Confess are consistently great, but this is a step up in all departments, with none more notable than how much darker and heavier they feel. Not to suggest what they’ve done previously has lacked in either, but Destination Addiction is different.

The second half of the album begins with another big one, another extravagant showcase of savage guitars, drums, and vocals, called Final Lap. Only a band on this kind of form could deliver something so aggressive and intense, take it in exciting directions, and keep the listener engaged for six minutes. That’s Confess for you, and after leaving the listener breathless with that, they hit just as hard with the beastly After Goliath and the groove monster that is Origami God.

How about the short and sharp shock that is Only Shackles to Lose? This is Confess well and truly raging and it hits very hard. Especially as it’s only two and a half minutes long, so blazes by in a blur of garish ferocity (those guitar squeals are delightful). Then, finally, it’s Breathe In. Breathe Out. Confess have already delivered so much potent power but find new depths to plumb with a finale that can simply be summed up as ‘neck wrecking’.

They’ve done themselves proud here.

Confess – Destination Addiction Track Listing:

1. Built on A Grave
2. Slaughterhouse
3. Expedition
4. Dark on Both Sides
5. Suicide Song
6. Final Lap
7. After Goliath
8. Origami God
9. Only Shackles to Lose
10. Breathe In. Breathe Out.

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