Ok, let's get this out of the way from the start. Xasthur is on Hydra Head now. Yes, it's actually a split release with Battle Kommand. However, it's the Hydra Head part that is causing corpse paint disturbances in many grim underground black metallers due to brown paper bags smearing the mouth make up area during hyperventilation. Seriously, folks, Hydra Head is not Warner Bros. Mr. Turner is quite the aficionado of black metal, and in addition to other underground roster additions for the label, the signing of Xasthur really makes sense. Why Because Hydra Head has a history of releasing albums that aren't always accepted or liked when they come out, but are often heralded as classics later. That, and simply because Xasthur is one of the absolute best when it comes to this style of black metal.
For the uninitiated, Xasthur is really one man - Malefic - who has not only put out multiple acclaimed full-length and split releases, but is also a member of U. S. black metal supergroup Twilight, and recently performed on Sunn0)))'s Black One album and subsequent live tours. In short, the man has been around and knows what he's doing. When not interacting with other musicians of various styles, Malefic's chosen path is that of mid to slow tempo black metal that is very somber and depressing in tone. This is certainly not the straightforward blasting of many black metal bands. Instead, Malefic focuses more on the creation of a chilling atmosphere to get the point across. Songs are long in structure and almost hypnotizing at times. While harsh at many moments, others are very subdued and serene.
Fans of previous material will find many of the Xasthur trademarks found on other releases in Subliminal Genocide. There are the heavier moments backed by Malefic's tortured voice, while there are also the lengthy, melodic, instrumental passages. One noticeable difference on this newest offering is that Malefic seems to be experimenting with his songwriting a little more. And by that I don't mean he's added jazz interludes between songs. Instead, some of the new material, such as moments in "Trauma Will Always Linger," is much more melodic than previous material, whereas other times it is clear that the purpose is to be the opposite of melodic. For example, in the final track "Malice Hidden in Surrealism," somber guitar tracks are methodically slowed down at varying rates so that the effect is ultimately a very unnerving, dissonant, oppressive atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Without sounding too clichéd, Xasthur has always presented a very disturbing, yet calming listening experience that is best experienced in solitude. The music contained on Subliminal Genocide is no different. The moods and textures expertly woven by Malefic completely envelop the willing listener and provide for a very unique listening experience. |
