Occultation released their debut album "Three & Seven," diving into a retro-inspired sound reminiscent of 70s occult metal. Drawing influences from bands like Black Sabbath and Iron Butterfly, their music aims to create a mysterious and eerie atmosphere. While successful in capturing a dark ambiance, the album falls short in delivering memorable tracks that fully utilize this mood.
The production of "Three & Seven" is notable for its reverb-heavy and cavernous quality, contributing to the horror movie ambiance the band seeks to evoke. However, the lack of a strong guitar presence undermines the impact of the music. The album's trebly and tinny sound, coupled with weak riffing, detracts from the overall listening experience, making the production choice somewhat tedious after a few tracks.
Despite showcasing cool moments throughout the album, the songs struggle to cohesively come together. While tracks like "The Sea of Snakes and Souls" start off promisingly with haunting riffs and dual female vocals, they often devolve into monotony or awkward transitions. Other songs like "One Who Sleeps" and "Double Walker" lack novelty, failing to sustain listener interest.
E.M.'s guitar work, rooted in black metal, features tremolo-picking but falls short of leaving a lasting impression. The vocals by Mal and V, while haunting, lack structured patterns and sometimes feel disjointed. Notably, the moog synth lines stand out as one of the album's strengths, contributing a sinister undertone to the music.
While Occultation's concept for "Three & Seven" is intriguing, the execution ultimately misses the mark in delivering compelling music. The album, with its Halloween-party soundtrack vibe, may appeal more to a niche audience rather than mainstream listeners. Fans of the band's genre may find enjoyment, but for a broader audience, exploring other releases in the occult metal scene could be more rewarding.
In conclusion, "Three & Seven" by Occultation, despite its atmospheric intentions and nods to 70s metal influences, struggles to create a cohesive and engaging musical experience. With a mix of promising elements and lackluster execution, the album may find appreciation among specific listener demographics but falls short of broader appeal in the metal music landscape.
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