🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary
Track 2: Wolfsbane
Track 3: Floral Onyx Chiroptera
Track 4: The Paw of Anigozanthos
Track 5: The Barnacle Tree
🎸 Album Review:
Botanist’s latest album, ‘VII: Beast Of Arpocalyx’, is a mesmerizing and immersive journey into the realm of experimental black metal. With a unique approach that sets them apart from traditional metal bands, Botanist continues to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories with this release.
The album opens with “The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary”, setting the tone with its hypnotic melodies and intense drumming. The track seamlessly blends elements of black metal with ethereal atmospheres, creating a sense of otherworldly beauty and darkness. The haunting vocals and intricate guitar work create a sense of urgency and unease, drawing the listener deeper into Botanist’s sonic landscape.
“Wolfsbane” follows with its relentless energy and ferocious drumming. The track is a whirlwind of aggression and intensity, showcasing the band’s ability to create complex and dynamic compositions. The juxtaposition of harsh vocals and melodic instrumentation adds depth to the song, creating a sense of tension and release that is both exhilarating and captivating.
“Floral Onyx Chiroptera” introduces a more atmospheric and contemplative mood, with its haunting melodies and dream-like quality. The track showcases Botanist’s ability to create intricate and evocative soundscapes, drawing the listener into a world of mystery and wonder. The interplay between the various instruments builds tension and drama, creating a sense of anticipation and intrigue.
“The Paw of Anigozanthos” is a standout track that exemplifies Botanist’s unique approach to black metal. The song features a blend of aggressive riffs and haunting melodies, creating a sense of duality and complexity. The intricate drum patterns and soaring vocals add depth and intensity to the track, drawing the listener further into Botanist’s dark and enchanting world.
The album closes with “The Barnacle Tree”, a haunting and atmospheric track that leaves a lasting impression. The song features ethereal vocals and hypnotic guitar lines, creating a sense of melancholy and introspection. The track builds to a powerful crescendo, with soaring melodies and intense drumming that culminate in a cathartic and emotional climax.
Compared to Botanist’s previous albums, ‘VII: Beast Of Arpocalyx’ showcases a more refined and mature sound. The band’s signature blend of black metal and ethereal elements is more pronounced and cohesive, creating a seamless and immersive listening experience. The album’s production is top-notch, with each instrument and vocal line shining through clearly and powerfully.
Overall, ‘VII: Beast Of Arpocalyx’ is a stunning and captivating album that solidifies Botanist’s position as one of the most innovative and exciting bands in the black metal scene. The album’s sound is both dynamic and evocative, drawing the listener into a world of darkness and beauty. With its intricate compositions and haunting melodies, ‘VII: Beast Of Arpocalyx’ is a triumph of creativity and vision, showcasing Botanist’s ability to push boundaries and redefine the genre.