The Pitch: Slovakia progressive death metal duo Ceremony Of Silence deliver a very impressive debut album via Willowtip Records. FFO: Barus, Abyssal, Gorguts
What I Like: The reported result of "countless hours immersed in free-flowing, improvised jams" and inspired by themes of mysticism and death, Oútis is a dark, atmospheric labyrinth well worth exploring. You can hear the organic spontaneity in the highly technical, sometimes Gorgutsian passages of "Invocation of the Silent Eye" and "Black Sea Of Drought," but the band also takes many detours into doom and post-metal. This eerie fusion lends itself well to listens by candlelight, and the subtle melodic elements take me to a strange state of simultaneous gloom and tranquility. It's a mood I've almost exclusively attributed to Abyssal in the past, but given their slow output I'm more than happy for Ceremony Of Silence to fill the void. Numerous moments on this album have me drawing parallels to everything from Altarage to Malthusian, but where those bands seem to spiral into an endless black oblivion, Ceremony leave the faintest hint of light at the end of the tunnel.
Critiques: Nitpicking again, but there are a few riffs here and there that get a little repetitious (e.g. "Ceremony of a Thousand Stars")
The Verdict: Ceremony of Silence serve up both impressive musicianship and unique atmosphere in a tight 35 minute package. Great performances, a sense of improvisation, and smooth songwriting that brings a sense of order to the chaos all add up to Oútis being one hell of a debut that is sure to make some year end lists. Must listen stuff.
Flight's Fav's: Invocation of the Silent Eye, Trance of Void, Black Sea of Drought
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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