OBSCURITIES – VOLUME VI: DEATHFEST AND OTHER MADNESS

(After a slight delay following the expiration of May, Dan Barkasi rejoins us with reviews and streams of eight selected albums released during that month.)

To begin, a brief recap of Maryland Deathfest. If you attended, we can only hope it was as close to cathartic for you as it was for yours truly.

Having attended a ton of MDF’s in the past – I’ve lost count – this was unequivocally one of my favorite editions. The variety and top-tier quality of the musical performances was profound. Sinmara, Spectral Wound, Fossilization, Altars, Spectral Voice, and Imperialist were all acts witnessed for the first time, and each left a permanent impression. Heavy hitters such as Dismember, Ahab, Agalloch, Sodom, and Primordial each brought an undeniable presence to each of their shows that were wholly different, yet left the same elated feeling.

The biggest highlight, however, is this festival representing a gathering of lifelong friends that haven’t been seen in much too long of a time period, as well as making new friends, all of which we hope to see again very soon.

It was great to catch up with some of our NCS crew! All amazing folks, and it’s really an honor to contribute to this incredible place you all have built. The need to join up for a Northwest Terror Fest is strong, and one thing is for certain – MDF XX will assuredly see our shadow. We have the credit card bill for early bird passes as evidence.

As a result of that madness, as well as hefty doses of that pesky real-life thing showing itself more often than is welcomed, this column is meeting your eyes a tad later than intended. It turned into quite a marathon to catch up with May releases. The resultant was a month that brought us nearly as many top-quality releases as a very stacked April managed to cough up. A pleasing variety of tunes seeped to the surface of this list of what might have evaded one’s keen attention, so off we go.

 

Sidus Atrum – Розірване небо (Torn Sky)

Release Date: May 10, 2024

What Ukraine has endured is horrid and unforgivable. It’s a country that has produced a steady stream of heavy music, to which many of said purveyors have undergone unfathomable pain and hardship due to the Russian invasion. Sidus Atrum is one such act, beginning in 2019 as a solo project of Yulia Lykhotvor, and having since became a duo with guitarist Serhii Lykhotvor joining in 2023.

The project’s third full-length Розірване небо (Torn Sky) is vivid and raw; not only musically, but also thematically. Said subject matter is best described by the band: “This album is a reflection of our emotions, experiences and thoughts over the past two years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. We want to share it with you and show that war has no place in this world.”

This is a significantly darker record than predecessor Spiral of Life, a moving, varied composition that embraces pieces of black, death, and doom while drenched in atmosphere. The title track opener shifts between full-on melodic blackened assaults and nuanced post-metal passages, emphasized by Yulia’s gritty snarl. Her voicings are powerful and gripping, evolving towards a more sinister and gnarled quality than before.

Blackened doom moodiness dances with blazing tremolos within “Коли земля кричала (When the Earth Was Screaming),” differing from “Сталеві янголи (Angels of Steel)” and its mixture of ethereal ambiance and biting melodic black metal foundations. Closer “Пульс життя (Pulse of Life)” showcases all of Sidus Atrum’s varied elements coming together – an extended, grimly majestic arrangement that conversely exhibits glimmers of hopefulness via moving vocalizations and pianos, bookended by pervasive guitar work.

Розірване небо (Torn Sky) breathes rarified air by proxy of its level of songwriting detail and creativity, whilst also being a heart-wrenching journey to undertake as the listener. A very real story of struggle, perseverance, loss, and unimaginable plight. We certainly hope that whatever comes next from Sidus Atrum is accompanied by peace and healing for the band, their families, friends, and fellow citizens.

https://www.facebook.com/sidusatrumpage/

 

 

Red Rot – Borders of Mania

Release Date: May 10, 2024

While helmed by known heavy-hitters from the former Ephel Duath in mastermind Davide Tiso and vocalist Luciano George Lorusso, Red Rot aren’t as unknown as most entries in this column, but their furious second record Borders of Mania earns every ear that it graces. Boasting a form of mercurial, wild death metal conjurings, Red Rot represents equal parts fervent violence and subtle refinement.

For starters, the guitar tone is vivid and meaty, helping the near-constant barrage of sizable riffs to connect with impressive force. Introductory salvo “Compulsive Delusion” rumbles like a boulder with sludge-adjacent filth in the rhythms, enhanced by Lorusso’s scratchy vocal tone melding effusively within the overarching metallic chaos. The gloomy clean vocals add a notably chilling dimension to an otherwise abrasive, fiery delivery. Conversely, pieces like “False Memory” emit a soulful tinge along with the grinding guitars, stomping forth with purpose. If searching for a smidgeon of breathing room, “Overlord” decelerates a tad without sacrificing impactfulness.

The record moves by quickly, with 15 songs spread over 43 minutes. That could stifle lesser records, but not Borders of Mania. The hardcore-ish intensity and all-out grimy death metal deluge on offer is a whirlwind that leaves one roughed up a bit, but cracking a smile from the ride. Tiso courageously wears his heart on his sleeve – depression is an albatross with which many (myself included) struggle with on the daily. Such a bold exploration of this part of his psyche is commendable while remaining unfiltered, with his choice of expression being one that holds nothing back.

https://www.facebook.com/red.rot.metal/

 

 

Marea – The Silence of Rust

Release Date: May 17, 2024

Embracing the more visceral side of doom, we have Italian newcomers Marea and their debut The Silence of Rust. Predominately a solo foray by whom is known as M.B., handling all but the drums (recorded by Alessandro Mori) for this effusive introduction. Within is a predominant black metal influence – especially vocally and in segments of the guitars – with a pacing that resides comfortably in the land of doom stylings.

The standout principle is that Marea‘s music invokes several palpable emotional responses. Tracks like “Sidereal” creep deliberately along, drawing one closer before startling shrieks and melody-infused guitar work take hold, building to a crunchy blackened death metal influenc in the conclusion. The vocal choices aren’t typical for most forms of doom metal, but therein lies the charm.

“Irreversible” protrudes weeping tremolos to set a mournful tone that cuts deeply, serving as one of the album’s more engaging moments. The primarily instrumental “Rain Colours” could be the standout for these ears; characterized mainly by haunting clean guitar passages and incisive whispered vocals. The closing title track stands as the most complex, sometimes reminiscent of fellow Italians Arctic Plateau’s lush post-rock ways, all while not losing the significant thick heaviness that is key to Marea’s sound profile.

The Silence of Rust represents doom with an intentionally differing purview, doubtlessly paying off in crafting a distinctive identity. Music that makes one feel something adds much for these ears, and this record more than accomplishes that. Marea possesses an expansiveness that sticks the landing on multiple levels. We look forward to seeing where they go from here.

https://www.facebook.com/marea.rusted/

 

 

Vredehammer – God Slayer

Release Date: May 24, 2024

Per Valla’s Vredehammer has a fitting moniker. “Vrede” translates to “wrath/anger” from Norwegian to English, and their music sure hits like a swinging hammer to the cranium, so take that for what you will. Furthermore, the hook-laden death/thrash style that emits from their pores hasn’t disappointed yet. No need to start now, right? True to form, God Slayer is not to be trifled with.

As if Vredehammer could get even more hooky, they do – there are more memorable bits than can be tallied. They never go too far, though, and the punishment is as relentless as it is catchy. The first second of “From the Abyss” blasts the proverbial gate asunder with speedy thrash-filled goodness. Thrash is a style that sadly has gotten tired and repetitive in recent years, but Vredehammer shows how the genre can be effectively utilized for maximum destruction. “The Joker” flashes a delectable morsel of their death metal ingredients, rumbling forth like Austin Powers steamrolling one of Dr. Evil’s hapless henchmen. Want a taste of black metal with your thrashy death? “The Dragons Burn” has your back, with those squealing tremolos hovering amongst generously meaty riffage.

Also notable is that the usage of thick synths that was a hallmark on Viperous are dialed back, but they do resurface on tracks like “Death Becomes the New Day” in all of their industrious glory. I adore Valla’s ability to twist electronic music into Vredehammer, and when used, it’s impactful and flows effortlessly.

Look no farther for a complete aural ass-kicking than God Slayer. Vredehammer has that “it” factor, and much like bands such as Legion of the Damned, continue pumping life into a style that often feels recycled and uninteresting. This is how it’s freaking done – fun, uncompromising, and maniacally heavy from pillar to post.

https://www.facebook.com/Vredehammer/

 

 

Morgue – Close to Complete Darkness

Release Date: May 24, 2024

With all of the lame riff-by-numbers death metal being put on a pedestal these days, there relievingly are many making potent and savage records. One such is the French duo Morgue. Their genesis as a band began as a grind-laden brutal death mixture in the late ’90s. In semi-recent times, they’ve eschewed much of the grind and have developed into a devastatingly dynamic death metal force. Close to Complete Darkness is their most recent manifestation, and it’s a delightfully gory romp.

Morgue could be compared to the musical form of Predator – meticulous, remorseless, and untamed. These dudes are riff machines that don’t quit, and we’d never want them to with ravenous tracks such as “Doorways in Crimson Red” and the monstrous “Blemish.” Both tracks – and the entire album, to be fair – exemplify the best variety of surgically precise, brutal death metal. The entire 33 minute runtime moves by briskly, giving nary a moment to recover. “Disobedience” and “Sulphurous Fire” each gleefully dismantle with moments of mid-paced gargantuan rhythms, where entries such as “Speculative Fall of the Human Race” bring comparisons of early Asphyx in terms of sheer heft.

Quality death metal always will win the day, and Morgue accomplishes far more than that. Their interpretation of this timeless style is ubiquitous; proudly stomping along strongly to annihilate all they see. Close to Complete Darkness serves as a stark reminder of why the genre continues to endure. Try this monster on for size, and embrace your pummeling.

https://www.facebook.com/official.morgue/

 

 

Dark Affliction – Five Stages of Grief

Release Date: May 24, 2024

Music that tackles difficult topics of mental struggle and sadness have always been particularly relatable. When one conceptually pens a work about a subject such as the five stages of grief with grace and heartfelt melancholy like Panagiotis Christias has through his atmospheric black metal project Dark Affliction, it’s mandatory to delve in deeply. Doing so turned out to be definitively rewarding, for the aptly titled Five Stages of Grief is a debut that accomplishes much in both ambition and execution.

Expect plenty of melody, atmosphere, and intricately thoughtful song construction bathed in a black metal aesthetic. Don’t expect icy, buzzing waves of aggression here. Instead, we’re offered cutting and fastidiously ethereal compositions that guide one along a gut-wrenching journey. The five main tracks tackle each individual stage of grief with a deft touch and genuine emotiveness.

Most black metal doesn’t connect in quite the same way, nor would we expect it to. Moments of pure rage, reflection, misery, and growth are all portrayed as the album moves through each individual stage. From wailing guitars and harrowing screams, to the beautiful pianos of Nikos Mavridis, violin serenades of Sakis Bastas, and the gorgeous female voicings of Anja Red – every performance hypnotically merges into a potent singular entity.

Five Stages of Grief is not an easy listen by any means, and we’re certain it absolutely wasn’t meant to be. For those who are willing to open up a level of vulnerability, Dark Affliction has crafted an album that will affect you in a profound way. It’s brave to write a work so personal, and Christias has earned bountiful plaudits for the painful elixir that is this darkly ravishing work.

https://www.facebook.com/DarkAfflictionbm

 

 

Aimless – From the Senseless Existence

Release Date: May 31, 2024

Continuing on the atmospheric black metal path is Chile’s Aimless. Said name is somewhat of an oxymoron, as the direction of Jorge Drolett’s music is assuredly focused. His first full-length From the Senseless Existence is a despair-filled, intriguingly assembled release that deeply explores inner darkness to find a caustic soundscape of bleak expression.

The mid-range tempo that dominates From the Senseless Existence provides ample space to maximize the impact of Drolett’s instrumentation. Biting tremolos and chilling rhythms intersect to conjure an overarchingly mournful aura that is consistent throughout. There’s a balance within songs like “A Dance of Agony” that brings raw, palpable energy which aids these compositions’ inherent effectiveness. “Darkness Ascends” cuts deep with chilling riffs and forthright blackened assaults, whereas “Through the Veins of Sorrow” adds a meticulous pacing, leaning towards doom before smoothly moving back to Aimless’ black metal center.

Gloomy ambience and shrill blackened elements don’t always cooperate nearly as well as they do on From the Senseless Existence. That’s surely down to Drolett’s mature songwriting ability, and for an endeavor this young, it’s an achievement to be recognized. Aimless is right on target with taking one’s foreboding side on an enduring expedition.

https://instagram.com/aimless_officialband

 

 

Eternal Hunt – An Era of Shame

Release Date: May 31, 2024

We finish with a quintet that came straight out of nowhere, serving up a gripping slice of black metal where stark ambition meets remarkable skill. We’re speaking of Eternal Hunt, who turn melodic black metal on its head with an overtly aggressive and monolithic sound profile, equating to an untameable monstrosity via An Era of Shame.

Firstly, Eternal Hunt copiously brings the riffs – and they’ve got plenty to strike with. The twin guitar work of Ægir and Gelgjer provide both frigid leads and crunchy drawn-out rhythmic insanity that are utterly infectious. Ultimately though, the defining attribute is the vocal affront of Achlys. Possessing an ability to bend his vocal chords to provide deep, shouted bellows amongst distinctive, grave screams grants the listener a stunningly inscrutable experience.

“Ancient Gods” exemplifies these elements coming together to pulverize one’s eardrums with waves of stingingly brisk assaults. Polished, memorable leads tell the story on “Locus” while “Through the Hurricane” chooses dizzyingly hypnotic affronts to captivate the listener. Pieces such as “Arrival” even flirt with heavily blackened-flavored doom via a significantly slowed pacing. Suffice to say, variety is plentiful, and the band’s cohesive focus resists from wavering into disjointed territory.

Ritualistic black metal allures absolutely when put together in a confidently decisive way, which describes An Era of Shame to the highest degree. There’s plenty to digest at nearly an hour in length, and any sense of dragging monotony is relievingly avoided. Eternal Hunt emits a substantial presence brimming with craftiness, whilst also writing provocative music that proudly stands on its own volition.

https://www.facebook.com/EternalHuntBand/