With a band name that piques curiosity, a wild album cover, and unusual song titles, this group certainly knows how to capture attention, but the music itself is where things really stand out. At its core, their sound is a mix of dark, sludgy metal, with an occasional dash of erratic, unpredictable playing. The guitars are heavily distorted, producing thick, massive tones, often accompanied by ripping riffs that serve as the foundation for most of the tracks. What’s particularly surprising is how they manage to deliver some unexpectedly groovy moments—there are certain riffs that actually have a nice bounce to them, injecting some much-needed energy into an otherwise heavy and dense musical landscape.
These groovy sections stand out and provide a contrast to the overwhelming sludgy atmosphere, offering a refreshing break that highlights the band's potential to create dynamic and engaging moments within the chaos. However, there are some instances where the guitars feel a bit clunky and awkward. The transitions between sections can be a little jarring at times, and some of the riffs lack that fluidity that would make them truly memorable.
The drumming, unfortunately, falls into a similar trap. While the slow drumming and occasional blast beats attempt to add intensity and variety, the mix makes it difficult to fully appreciate their impact. The drums feel muffled and buried beneath the heavier layers of distortion, which diminishes their potential to energize the tracks. It’s clear that the drummer is attempting to spice things up, but the sound is a bit lost in the mix, leaving the beats feeling less pronounced than they could be.
The bass is undeniably deep and harsh, providing a strong, rumbling foundation that supports the thick sludge of the guitar work. However, the vocals are where this EP falls a bit short. The vocals are incredibly low in the mix, and their muffled quality makes them hard to distinguish, which detracts from the overall experience. While the vocalist seems to have some skill, their performance is somewhat obscured by poor mixing, leaving the listener unable to fully appreciate their vocal abilities. The washed-out, low-pitched delivery might appeal to some, but it feels underwhelming, especially compared to the heavier, more prominent instruments.
Despite these shortcomings, what really sets this band apart from other sludge/doom acts is their ability to create a dark, atmospheric sound that remains consistent throughout the EP. They sprinkle in subtle effects and tweaks, which help to shape a unique sonic identity, infusing each track with a menacing, gloomy quality that lingers from one song to the next. This sense of cohesion is impressive, as it shows they’re capable of maintaining a strong, consistent tone across the entire project.
Overall, while the band displays potential and has an interesting sound, there's room for improvement. Tightening up their playing and refining the mix would elevate the overall quality of their music significantly. As it stands, the EP feels like it’s just shy of its full potential—if they can find that balance and bring their sound into clearer focus, they have the makings of something truly captivating.
RATING: 7/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
(Inside The) Arcane Hypogeum
Adrift In Festering Perpetuity