For me, 2022’s Revenge At All Costs was a big step up from the previous albums that Iranian/Norwegian outfit Confess had released. Three years later, the quintet are back with Destination Addiction, a career-best fourth album that sees Confess step up once more.
Confess – Destination Addiction (EVIN Productions)
Release Date: 31 January 2025
Words: Paul Hutchings
When Revenge At All Costs was released, I wrote that it was as visceral and bruising as those first releases but with a controlled ferocity and big chunky riffs that are all contained in one huge balled-up fist. Now, Destination Addiction finds Confess fuelled once more by political unrest across the globe.
Of course, this is a band whose founders have more than enough reason to provide an observational commentary on Global unrest. Asking the question, “What happens when you’ve survived things that no one should have to?” they once again stir the temperature in their own way, with more than a little focus on the numerous world conflicts currently blighting the world.
Confess bring a style that is slightly different to the likes of Trivax, the Black Metal band led by Shayan, whose own story includes fleeing from oppression in the same country as Confess frontman Nikan Khosravi.
But the rage and anger that both these important musicians bring to their music is vital. I am not even close to comprehending their experiences in their home country, but I do appreciate heavy music and they both bring that in spades.
Regardless of style, this is truly a heavy hitter of a release. Khosravi says of the album, “With Destination Addiction, we aimed to channel our personal experiences and the turbulent times we live in into something musically innovative and brutally honest. This album is a testament to our resilience and passion for Metal.
Destination Addiction delves deep into themes of isolation, depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts, reflecting our harrowing experiences following arrest in 2015 and life in exile, and I can say that this album is way darker than Revenge At All Costs!”
He is not wrong, for the bruising dual openers Built On A Grave and Slaughterhouse certainly pull no punches. Plenty of influences are readily available, with the likes of Lamb Of God, Machine Head, Slipknot and even Fear Factory all evidenced within minutes. The intensity of delivery is a major highlight here, with a relentless barrage of double-kicks and thick groove-ridden riffs that get under the skin.
Lyrically, it’s unsurprising that the band tackle issues including global political situations, the position in Iran and the Middle East, as well as the Freedom movement and the rights of women. Savagely delivered, with a rasping roar that sends chills to the marrow, this is intense stuff.
With a solid lineup, including long-time collaborator DJ Arash Ilkhani continuing with the samples, Destination Addiction is a career best. The involvement of George Kollias (Nile) and Marzi Montazeri (ex-Phil Anselmo and Illegals, ex-Superjoint Ritual, ex-Exhorder, Heavy As Texas) on the behemoth song After Goliath adds heft, and as Khosravi states, elevates their sound another level.
There is plenty for every Metal fan to enjoy here. Aside from the pulverising After Goliath, there is the darkness of Suicide Song with its jagged riffs and thunderous delivery, the thrashing two-and-a-half-minute explosion of Only Shackles To Lose, an anthem of defiance and the equally brutal closer Breathe In, Breathe Out to absorb.
It is extreme stuff, not as extreme as some in the outer regions of genres, but still savage enough to sate many appetites.
Overall, this is a ferocious and triumphant release that pushes Confess towards the top tiers. It is an album that earned repeated plays, stirring emotions that sometimes lie dormant. There is a huge story with this band and scars that will never heal.
Dive deep, explore the background through the band’s history and social pages, or enjoy the fiery riffs and gravel-throated roars.
Metal unites after all.
