Deadspace really got to me with 2015's The Promise of Oblivion. In my particular circle, I felt as if I was the only one carrying the torch for these mood music masters of depressive post-black metal. Fortunately, I was glad to see that I am not the only one. The following is growing, and I can only hope continued coverage of their music will help extend their reach. The Australian band reports that they are currently working on a new EP due later in the year, but in the meantime we have In Ecstatic Sorrow. This is a collection of songs originally intended for a very personal concept record, but never came to fruition.
If I hadn't known about the history, I never would have guessed. In Ecstatic Sorrow, first and foremost, stands on its own two legs as a legitimate release. This is no mere mixtape of B-sides and demos...this is the real deal. The material is equally strong as The Promise of Oblivion, and at times surpasses it in energy and aggression. While TPoO focused more on the gothic, dreary aspects of the band's sound, IES is ANGRY. This shift is apparent in everything from the more prominant use of traditional black metal tremolo to the increasingly acerbic howls of Chris Gebauer.
But the alternative rock and post metal elements I loved so much are still very much present. Atmospheric use of synthesizer, piano, breakouts of rock and roll guitars: Deadspace care less about being kvlt than simply using all of the great opportunities available to them. In fact, their approach is not dissimilar from the more recent output of progressive black metal giants, Enslaved. "In My Dark Place..." even features a truly wicked solo that seems to draw influence from Opeth. All of that aside, all I really care about with this band is going to a very visceral and cathartic place. Tracks like "Jacinda, She Beckons Me From Hell" take me there. What a way to start a song.
If you have not given Deadspace a chance yet, I think In Ecstatic Sorrow is a fine enough starting place. From there I still recommend backtracking to their 2015 effort and seeing what they have in store for this upcoming EP, but you'll get a good summary of what the band is about. It's impressive to me that material that the band was ready to simply cast off in favor of bigger and better things is still so strong. I only wish I could have learned more about where this album was originally heading to. Check it out in full below and support the band by picking this up for jsut around $5 American.