10.30.2019

DEATHSPELL OMEGA - The Furnaces Of Palingenesia

Artist:  Deathspell Omega
Album: The Furnaces Of Palingenesia
Year:  2019
Genre:  Black Metal

When I began this blog, I put a couple rules in place for myself.  One of them is I wouldn’t review multiple records by a single band.  The purpose was so I didn’t “fanboy” out on a particular artist and become annoying.  Well, I’ve already screwed this up a couple times and this review will be the next multiple album review by one band.  Why?  Because I really feel that my first go-around didn’t do this band the justice they deserve and this new opus they unleashed is astonishing.

The elements of the band I wrote about previously stand true.  DSO are innovative and imaginative in a way that few bands in any genre are.  The constant time changes make the rhythms almost incomprehensible whether they are dragging at a death-like pace or are storming ahead full-throttle.  The way the guitars coil and churn as they encompass the drums is astounding and sound as if they’re from a different plane of existence.  You don’t get too many riffs per say, but when they fall into one, it’s devastating.  Although there seem to be less tempo shifts on this outing than previous ones, it’s still difficult to grasp what the music is doing.  Even after a few listens, everything that happens on the album still comes a surprise due to its complexity.  I don’t want to call their style freeform because I’m sure this is mapped out to a T, but damn if it doesn’t feel that way to my brain.  It’s difficult to determine if parts are repeated because I’ll hear guitar lines that sound similar, but then they alter the rhythm underneath.  Still, the ensuing chaos doesn’t make this an impossible listen.  It’s quite the opposite.  A touch of a revelation hit on this record.  The music DSO punishes the listener with is a backdrop to the vocals as it shifts and jolts anyway the band sees fit.  The album wraps you in itself and, by the time you’re at the end, it leaves you asking, “how many songs did I hear?”  All the tracks are separate pieces, yet, when played from first though last, turn into a full composition.  This is when music truly becomes art and my appreciation is beyond measure for the talent, time and dedication it takes create something as abrasive, dense and mesmerizing as this record.  Deathspell Omega are leaders.  All music genres need more bands that push beyond musical restrictions and use their ingenuity and talent to their fullest extent.

Listen to "The Fires Of Frustration" here.

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