For 30 years London based Heavy Metal pioneers Orange Goblin have left their mark with a 10-album strong back catalogue delving into conceptual storytelling spanning over many various genres. Now back with their 11th powerhouse offering ‘Science, Not Fiction’ they are here to prove one thing and one thing only. They have not slowed down in their ability to put out an amazing concept album. Especially one that has themes that relate so strongly to the current state of the world, and what is happening to society as a whole.
Bringing us into the fold almost immediately with a nice solid bassline is opening track ‘The Fire At The Centre Of the Earth Is Mine’. Bringing the many faults of human condition into the spotlight against a backdrop of instrumentals reminiscent of classic British metal.
‘(Not) Rocket Science’ serves as a lesson to pick oneself up and keep carrying on despite what life, and the world throws at you. Complete with an amazing guitar to drum and bass solo transition that hits a perfect musical sweet spot.
‘Ascend The Negative’ maintains those classic metal elements that Orange Goblin have come to be known for. Almost playing out like an epic sea shanty, it succeeds in its attempt to paint a picture of grand proportions.
‘False Hope Diet’ deals with themes of consumerism, conspiracy theories and the rich controlling the world while the media keeps society in a state of fear. A reality that has become all too familiar.
With a slow, gothic build-up accompanied by some psychedelic bass, ‘Cemetary Rats’ has an army of the undead rising in an apocalyptic world. With a classic power metal solo towards the end this one really gets the blood pumping.
‘The Fury Of A Patient Man’ is definitely a track any working class man can relate to, dealing with the internal rage we have at some point all experienced in this capitalistic society.
‘Gemini (Twins Of Evil)’ serves as an epic tale of betrayal. Carrying out the devils work and another amazing show of instrumental work that gets the blood and adrenaline pumping.
‘The Justice Knife’ presents a choice between revenge and mercy at the hands of a killer who has to make the ultimate decision between sparing a life or taking it, with the Justice knife prevailing.
‘End Of Transmission’ brings us to the end of this dystopian masterpiece with a space voyage wherein all connection has been lost. The Earth seemingly warped and twisted. Searching for a brighter tomorrow. With cancel culture and capitalism prominent the earth that we know and love is gone.
8.5/10
