Uttering Rage’s Kingdom of Suffering
Photo: Mirko quiñones
From the metal underground of Chile emerges Uttering Rage, the solo endeavor of multi-instrumentalist Rodrigo Berríos. In Kingdom of Suffering, his debut EP released on July 26, 2024, Berríos unveils a relentless torrent of sound that rages with unbridled fury yet carries a haunting sense of clarity, as though the chaos has a blueprint.He’s got a firm grasp on the visceral and the psychological, and that shines in the music as he seems to wield death metal as both weapon and shield against the dystopia he sees around him.
Kingdom of Suffering is a testament to singular vision—Berríos crafts everything: the lyrics, instrumentation, and vocals. His command over every element of the project mirrors the uncompromising tone of the music itself. A 52-second prelude begins, plunging listeners into a world of despair, frustration, and defiance. With an introspective spoken word, his voice carries an exotic mystique and serves as a portal to the maelstrom that lies in wait.
Tracks That Leave Scars
“On Whose Glory”
The opening track is pure thrash-infused death metal. This song gets straight to the point, cutting through any pretense and delivering an onslaught of raw, pounding energy. The rhythm changes midway to inject complexity into the track, while a guitar solo three minutes in elevates the chaos to artistry. Thematically, the lyrics unveil a bleak reflection on propaganda-fueled kingdoms, where survival is an act of endurance rather than triumph.“Cease to Be”
A sharp pivot towards melody without losing its edge, this track balances crushing riffs with an emotive, singing guitar solo. The opening sets a tone of restrained fury before diving into a short yet hauntingly beautiful lead that feels almost introspective amidst the aggression. The song explores themes of existential dread and transformation, carried by a dynamic interplay of heaviness and melancholic beauty.“The Suffer Prevails”
Arguably the psychological centerpiece of the EP, this track examines the inner turbulence of a mind grappling with an unforgiving world. The middle section dissolves into a haunting melody—a momentary reprieve that’s quickly swallowed by a darker, psychotic descent. The song leaves an imprint long after its final note, as though its turmoil has etched itself into the listener’s subconscious.
Rodrigo has cut his own path with his ability to weave both complexity and accessible melody into unrelenting aggression. The production, handled by Gabriel Hidalgo and mastered by Cristian Mardones, ensures every note, every growl, and every impact is delivered with razor-sharp clarity. The cover art by Roberto Fernandez is equally effective, bridging the desolation and rage of the music. This is one of the better albums I’ve heard from the death metal scene lately, and it’s surprising that it’s a one man show. Check it out at Bandcamp:
