🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Hellscape
Track 2: Deep Drilling Earth’s Crust
Track 3: The Master’s Tools
Track 4: Ecdysis
Track 5: Capitalocenic Nightmare
Track 6: New Venus
Track 7: Fuck Ecofascism
Track 8: Sacrifice Zones
Track 9: Doomed
🎸 Album Review:
Unearthly Rites’ latest offering, “Ecdysis,” is a potent and unrelenting exploration of themes that are as urgent as they are profound. The band’s sound on this album is a seamless blend of black metal, crust punk, and elements of sludge, creating a sonic landscape that is both brutal and atmospheric. Throughout the nine tracks, Unearthly Rites delve into topics such as environmental degradation, capitalism, and the dark side of human nature, delivering a message that is as bleak as it is necessary.
The album kicks off with “Hellscape,” a track that sets the tone for the rest of the record with its blistering blast beats, scorching riffs, and guttural vocals. It’s a relentless onslaught that immediately grabs the listener’s attention and doesn’t let go. “Deep Drilling Earth’s Crust” follows suit, delving deeper into the band’s signature sound with its pummeling drums and dissonant guitar work.
One of the standout tracks on “Ecdysis” is “The Master’s Tools,” a track that showcases Unearthly Rites’ ability to seamlessly blend melody with aggression. The haunting clean guitar passages juxtaposed with the harsh vocals create a sense of unease that is both captivating and unsettling. This track serves as a perfect example of the band’s sonic diversity and songwriting prowess.
The title track, “Ecdysis,” is another highlight of the album, with its dynamic shifts in tempo and mood. The track builds tension slowly before erupting into a cacophony of sound, showcasing the band’s ability to create atmosphere and depth within their music. The haunting melodies and raw emotion in this track make it a standout moment on the album.
“Capitalocenic Nightmare” is another track that stands out for its ferocious energy and unbridled aggression. The relentless drumming and razor-sharp riffs create a sense of urgency that perfectly complements the lyrical themes of environmental destruction and human greed. It’s a visceral and hard-hitting track that leaves a lasting impact.
Comparing “Ecdysis” to Unearthly Rites’ previous albums, it is clear that the band has evolved both sonically and thematically. While their earlier works showcased a raw and primal energy, “Ecdysis” sees the band embracing a more sophisticated and nuanced approach to their music. The incorporation of atmospheric elements and complex song structures adds a layer of depth to their sound, elevating their music to new heights.
Overall, “Ecdysis” is a powerful and thought-provoking album that demands repeated listens. Unearthly Rites have crafted a work of art that is as intense as it is introspective, tackling important social and environmental issues with unflinching honesty. The band’s ability to blend aggression with melody, chaos with control, makes this album a standout release in the realm of extreme music. “Ecdysis” is a testament to the band’s growth and maturity, solidifying Unearthly Rites’ place as one of the most exciting bands in the underground metal scene.