Shattering Eardrums
Revolution of Metal!
Power Metal
Tracklist:
Track 1: Be Cadaver
Track 2: Red Feasts Condensed Into One
Track 3: Sinew Censer
Track 4: Death’s Knell Rings in Eternity
Album Review:
Spectral Voice, the Colorado-based death-doom metal band known for their cavernous sound and haunting atmospheres, has returned with their highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘Sparagmos’. Released on April 13, 2022, ‘Sparagmos’ delves even deeper into the abyss of darkness and despair, delivering a sonic journey that is both harrowing and mesmerizing.
From the moment the album begins with the ominous track “Be Cadaver,” listeners are enveloped in a thick shroud of dread and foreboding. The crushing weight of the band’s trademark sound is immediately apparent, with slow, churning riffs and guttural vocals that seem to emanate from the depths of the underworld. The production on ‘Sparagmos’ is impeccable, allowing every eerie melody and bone-rattling drum hit to reverberate with maximum impact.
Thematically, ‘Sparagmos’ explores the darker aspects of existence, delving into topics such as mortality, decay, and the inevitability of death. The album’s title, which refers to a ritualistic tearing apart of the body, sets the tone for the bleak and macabre journey that lies ahead. Each track on the album serves as a meditation on the fragility of life and the ultimate futility of human existence.
Standout tracks on ‘Sparagmos’ include the epic “Red Feasts Condensed Into One,” which showcases the band’s ability to create a sense of vast, otherworldly dread. The track builds slowly, layering ominous melodies and cavernous vocals to create a sense of impending doom that is both captivating and terrifying. The juxtaposition of crushing heaviness and haunting beauty is a hallmark of Spectral Voice’s sound, and it is executed flawlessly on this track.
Another highlight of the album is “Sinew Censer,” a relentless onslaught of dissonant riffs and guttural growls that conjures images of desolation and decay. The track’s relentless pace and suffocating atmosphere make it one of the most intense moments on the album, showcasing the band’s ability to create a sense of unease that lingers long after the music has stopped.
In comparison to their previous album, ‘Eroded Corridors of Unbeing’, ‘Sparagmos’ represents a significant progression for Spectral Voice. While their debut album was praised for its cavernous sound and suffocating atmosphere, ‘Sparagmos’ takes these elements to new heights, delving even deeper into the abyss of darkness and despair. The band’s songwriting has matured, with each track on the album offering a more nuanced and complex exploration of the themes that define their sound.
Overall, ‘Sparagmos’ is a masterful work of death-doom metal that solidifies Spectral Voice’s position as one of the most exciting bands in the genre. The album’s blend of crushing heaviness, eerie atmospheres, and haunting melodies creates a sense of unease that is both unsettling and captivating. With ‘Sparagmos’, Spectral Voice have crafted a dark and immersive listening experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans of extreme metal.
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