Viogression’s “Thaumaturgic Veil” is Pulling Me into Another Realm, and I’m Glad to Go

I’m going to kick this off by saying Viogression just delivered one of my favourite albums of the year, but not for the reasons you’d probably expect.

Milwaukee’s Viogression, established back in 1988, quickly carved out a formidable reputation in the underground metal scene. Their debut, Expound & Exhort (1990), launched them onto international stages, playing alongside legendary acts like Death and Pestilence. After their second album, Passage (1994), faced an incomplete release, Viogression faded into silence, only to explode back to life nearly a decade later, with fresh material in 2003 and the impactful 2014 EP, A Pure Formality. The band’s return gained momentum with intense festival performances, eventually releasing 3rd Stage of Decay in 2022. Now, with their upcoming album, Thaumaturgic Veil, set for release on July 11, 2025, Viogression isn’t just back; they’re redefining what’s possible in Death Metal.

When I say this is a Death Metal masterpiece, I don’t say it lightly. Thaumaturgic Veil isn’t just an homage to classic nineties Florida Death Metal. While the album absolutely nails that raw, aggressive sound, Viogression boldly weaves in themes you’d rarely expect, exploring Buddhism, Hinduism, and even Ancient Alien lineages. These elements turn the album into more than just music; it’s a full-blown mental expedition.

Now, don’t let the track count scare you away. Yes, it’s a whopping 19 tracks, but nearly half are short thematic interludes, running anywhere from 30 seconds to just over a minute. These interludes aren’t filler; they’re atmospheric gateways that immerse you deeper into Viogression’s meticulously crafted universe.

The album provoked something unexpected from me: curiosity. As the music unfolded, I found myself frequently pausing to research song titles and themes online, fascinated by their conceptual depth. This album didn’t just entertain me; it actively expanded my horizons. To me, that’s the mark of truly great music: it makes you want to dive deeper, learn more, and fully appreciate the layers behind it.

Production-wise, Thaumaturgic Veil strikes a perfect balance. While embracing the fierce intensity of old-school Death Metal, Viogression elevates it with a level of clarity rarely found in the genre. From the Chuck Schuldiner-esque vocal aggression to the precision of the drums and bass, everything cuts through beautifully without losing an ounce of brutality.

Some standout moments come when Viogression intentionally breaks the traditional Death Metal formula. Vocals layered atop blistering solos, intriguing spoken word sections, and captivating interludes build a cohesive yet unpredictable experience. More than once, I found myself rewinding, intent on absorbing every nuance.

In a time when plenty of bands strive to craft “albums as experiences,” Viogression has genuinely succeeded, going far beyond merely compiling tracks. Thaumaturgic Veil feels meticulously engineered, brimming with artistic intent. This isn’t just an album; it’s a bold statement from a band unafraid to push boundaries and challenge expectations, delivering not just songs but an immersive, transformative journey.

Viogression is about to pull you into another realm entirely. Trust me, you’ll be glad you made the trip.