Australian black metal duo Spirit Possession return with their sophomore album, “Of the Sign…”, a nightmarish descent into the genre’s untamed origins. Following up on their well-received 2020 debut, the band, comprised of S. Peacock (Ulthar, Mastery) and A. Spungin (Vouna, ex-Insect Ark), delve deeper into the raw, lo-fi black metal sound, crafting an experience that’s both unsettling and strangely hypnotic.
“Of the Sign…” isn’t for the faint of heart. Described as “schizo spiraling” and “deranged” by reviewers at Grizzly Butts [mystificationzine.com], the album throws listeners headfirst into a vortex of distorted guitars, cavernous vocals, and blast beats. Tracks like “Orthodox Weapons” and “The Hex” showcase the band’s knack for creating a horrifying atmosphere through repetition and dissonance. Peacock’s vocals snarl and shriek, weaving tales of dark rituals and forgotten powers.
While the album undeniably leans into the genre’s established tropes, there’s a certain chaotic brilliance to Spirit Possession’s approach. Spungin’s drumming injects unpredictable rhythmic shifts, keeping the listener off-balance throughout. Moments of unsettling noise erupt throughout the record, adding a layer of unpredictable madness to the already harrowing soundscape.
For fans of bands like Leviathan and Negative Plane, “Of the Sign…” will be a welcome return to the primal essence of black metal. The album is a challenging listen, but for those willing to brave its depths, it offers a rewarding experience – a glimpse into a world of shadows and madness.
“Of the Sign…” was released in March 2023 and is available for streaming on platforms like YouTube and Bandcamp.
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