The Pitch: A highly challenging and bitterly uncompramising new album from underground black and death sensation ÆVANGELIST via I, Voidhanger. FFO: Leviathan, Deathspell Omega, Lurker Of Chalice
What I Like: Matricide In The Temple Of Omega is a noxious, oppressive act of mental terrorism. True to ÆVANGELIST's usual mission statement, it is a raw presentation of suffocating black and death metal. No traditional song structures, no choruses, practically no intelligible vocals...just pure hellish atmosphere; the void staring back as it were. If you think of Deathspell Omega as a daunting reflection of the abyss, this album makes them look like Katie Perry in comparison. Wailing guitars echo into a seemingly infinite expanse of reverb alongside earth-rattling drums and distortion. Occasionally voices come forth to taunt the listener, but even in these instances you'll be straining your ears to comprehend them a la Leviathan. This is save for the feminine spoken word towards the end of "Ascending Into The Pantheon."
Critiques: More of a disclaimer really: At over an hour and given the aforementioned lack of traditional musical footholds, this is going to present a steep challenge for most. Insurmountable even for the average normie. Full disclosure, it was undeniably difficult for me.
The Verdict: ÆVANGELIST are the prime example of what metal is truly about: violent rejection of norms and genuine expression of the darker side of the human experience. There is no way that anyone during the writing process said, "hey...this will be a great chance to be commercially viable." No. This is an artist's band, through and through. I hear concern for nothing beyond the craft itself. They had an uncompramising vision, and that is exactly what you get. I'll admit my personal sentiments don't make this something I'll find myself relistening to, but damn to I admire the courage and emotional impact.
Flight's Fav's: Ascending Into The Pantheon, Serpentine As Lustful Nightmare
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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