The Pitch: Dark Descent Records presents the next release from dissonant Canadian black metal trio Thantifaxath. FFO: Seputus, Veilburner, Howls of Ebb
What I Like: Another stellar album that impressively illustrates the concept of spiraling into complete existential oblivion. Between the eerie strings and piano lurking on the fringes, technical, dissonant guitars, and chaotic rhythms; Thantifaxath have created a sound that suffocates my very soul. Void Masquerading as Matter may first and foremost be black metal from an aesthetical standpoint, but it is really so much more than that. When considering parallels and influences, I don't think of too many other BM groups. Instead, I find myself casting a broader net to things like Mithras, Dendritic Arbor, and even early Meshuggah. This band puts individual compositions and the overall flow of the album above stylistic trappings; a point perhaps most keenly demonstrated by the haunting 2001: A Space Odyssey-esque 7+ minute choral closer.
Critiques: There are some moments here and there that start to drag on a bit for me. I am uncertain whether trimming would upset the mood and flow that the band are going for, but it's the only complaint that stood out to me.
The Verdict: Void Masquerading as Matter delivers precisely what its title promises, and is a well-rounded album served up by a group of talented musicians and songwriters. For those reasons, Thantifaxath belong on your radar.
Flight's Fav's: Self-Devouring Womb, Cursed Numbers
-Review by FlightOfIcarus
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