CD Review: Deathspell Omega - Drought

Written by Ricarda Menn Thursday, 30 August 2012 12:06

Artist: Deathspell Omega
Title: Drought
Genre: Black Metal
Release Date: 22nd June 2012
Label: Season Of Mist

Album Review

DEATHSPELL OMEGA is a French Black Metal band, founded in 1998. The band hardly reveals any information about themselves, gives few interviews and never performed live on stage, so far. Consequently, the members’ names are not known. Initially, DEATHSPELL OMEGA played rather traditional Black Metal, but soon developed a very unique style, incorporating experimental, technical and even classical music. The result is very demanding and complex music, which is either highly appreciated or rejected. So far, five studio records were released as well as five EPs. ‘Drought’ is the most recent EP and the first output after a trilogy of concept albums. Six songs are included with a total playtime of 20:34 minutes.

The opener ‘Salowe Vision’ starts off as a very slow, doom-influenced instrumental and takes up some speed at the last third of the song. The guitars sound very deep and tuned down, the song structure already appears to be involved and the overall atmosphere is very dark and depressing. ‘Drought’ incorporates complex rhythms, disharmonic tunes and does not offer grasp from the very first listen. ‘Fiery Serpents’ is a fast but arrhythmic song with harsh vocals and a frequent use of the devilish triton. This all adds up to a very brutal and fierce intonation. The third ‘Scorpions & Drought’ kicks off in a speedy and chaotic way, providing lots of shredding riffs. ‘Sand’ is a slower and bit more calm interlude, dominated by the singer’s deep and dark vocals. ‘Abrasive Swirling Murk’ includes some almost orchestral elements, which are even more frequently used in the last song ‘The Crackled Book Of Life’.

This song is probably the most interesting of the whole EP: stringed instruments (or at least what sounds like violins) can be heard as well as a choir. Apart from that, no vocals can be found; the changes of tempo as well as the more classical elements add up to a very intense and atmospheric track. In general, ‘Drought’ is a quite complex EP, which needs several sweeps, before it can be entirely comprehended. The music is very modern, technical and experimental – disharmonies and abrupt changes in the rhythm are distinct features that mark DEATHSPELL OMEGA’S innovative style. Open-mindedness as well as patience are needed to indulge into this work of art, but the obstinate listener will be highly rewarded. Highly recommendable for fans of more progressive/ avant-garde music.


Tracklist

01. Salowe Vision
02. Fiery Serpents
03. Scorpions & Drought
04. Sand
05. Abrasive Swirling Murk
06. The Crackled Book of Life


Website

www.deathspellomega.com


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 9
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 9 / 10