The Dis(so)tance Between Us
Summer may still retain its firm grasp on a large swath of this world, but that doesn’t mean the inevitable Fall of this heat is forgotten, or even out of reach. All you need to do is persevere as you reach out in defiance against the oppressive UV and sweltering air. Reach out for help and there you shall find me offering you comfort and respite. However, these offerings are yet again of the dissonant kind, so the relief is likely a burden. Oh well, I shall revel internally in my kindness as you bask in my unhelpfulness. You’re welcome, by the way.
Noise Trail Immersion – Tutta la Morte in un solo punto (June 27)
I know what you are thinking, weary reader: what the hell is that cover? If you find yourself unfamiliar with this Italian dissonant black metal group, then the hellacious image of a drowning, wailing infant should be either a promising sign or an effective deterrent. There is no in-between for music such as this as it is harsh, unrelenting, and careless in its treatment of the listener. Noisy, unpredictable, and near-indecipherable at times, Noise Trail Immersion focus their output on crafting dense and chaotic music designed to challenge and punish. If you are like me and miss the heyday of Plebeian Grandstand, and find yourself wanting more bands to play in the style of Leprous Vortex Sun, then Tutta la Morte in un solo punto is likely something you’ll find both unsettling and welcoming. Each track seems to settle on a guitar melody while the other aspects dance around it in mind-numbing shifts. This release is not one that you can fully digest in a single listen; it requires meticulous mastication to unlock the surprisingly delicate layers within. It’s not dissimilar to a delicious meal that has a high barrier of entry due to its intense spice—once you’re acclimated, the pain is part of the pleasure.
Acephalic Void – We Chose Death (July 18)
If an established act is too mainstream for a trve mother’s basement dweller such as yourself, then continue sitting down and crack open a new bottle of Code Red because here is a mysterious entry for you. Hailing from unknown, composed of an unknown number of musicians with no member information available, Acephalic Void seemingly appeared out of nothingness to lay waste upon those unprepared. Only 4 tracks in length, this debut EP brings the noise, both figuratively and literally. Taking on established world order and injustice is nothing new to music, but rarely does the music match the dire outlook for our world and species. We Chose Death have decided to fix this grievous error by crafting demented soundscapes worthy of our own mistreatment of those around us and throughout the world. This isn’t a gift, but a harsh education in pain and suffering. This especially rings true with the inclusion of noise and power electronics in the track “Forget,” invoking the harshest elements of acts such as The Body, but with even more ferocity and vitriol. Though a small sampling, these tracks have me quite interested in the future of this enigmatic entity.
Ethereal Wound – Defile | Demise (August 29)
If you find yourself a dedicated reader and listener to my dumb little disso articles, then you will likely recognize the name Ethereal Wound. Last year, this Portuguese duo released 2 stellar EPs that combine death and black metal, with just enough dosage of dissonance to keep it fresh and engaging. This also comes in addition to vocalist Sérgio Ramos’ other project that released a stellar album earlier this year in Atrate. Well, now this Berserk manga-inspired project is officially releasing their debut album, and I find myself chomping at the bit for its full release. Maintaining the precision of its predecessors, Defile | Demise continues the band’s work as they explore dark sonic passages worthy of the source material. Though only a single track is currently available, I find myself enthralled by the deft shifts in blasts, harrowing vocals, and tension-building guitar ideas that lay before you a harsh (yet welcome) package. I am almost always a quality over quantity individual, but with the level of craft and consistency displayed by these gents, I’m certain this will be another spectacular display of dissonant blackened death goodness.
