Matt Strangis is the artist behind Doubtsower and he introduced himself as a recent addition as bassist to Pantheist and is working on their new forthcoming album. He also pointed out that under the alias of Kyam he is known for recording dark experimental electronics. Asphyxiation Of A Seasick Soul is a great title and sees him returning to his ‘live instrument roots.’ It is described as principally doom metal but containing plenty of other genre variations within. It is also no surprise at all to find that Esoteric’s Greg Chandler is behind the mastering on this otherwise DIY release which even utilises a ‘Frankenstein drum-kit’ comprised of donated spare parts.
With that background info to go on, play is pressed on this ‘cathartic statement of intent’ and we are immediately drenched in atmospheric melody via some strumming riffs and then slow ponderous booming sound reverberations. ‘Hierarchy Of Detachment’ sounds like it is coming from a mind that has struggled through recent trials and tribulations no doubt caused by the lockdown and everything that has gone with it. This is an expression of torment and is wrought out with some particularly harrowing and weathered low growling vocals amidst an almost funeral doom pace. However, it is not all darkness as the long songs are textured with expressions of post metal (if you will) instrumental segments which really absorb the bleakness with bursts of hope. There’s lots going on beneath the surface in the midst of things such as keyboards giving hymnal airs and graces as well as slab heavy pounds on that Frankenstein kit. Bass is naturally thick and coats it all in a layer of tar and one sits there weathering this storm waiting for the next patch of acoustic calm water to momentarily lift the soul. This is definitely an album to sit down with and fully absorb, its mature and epic and reflects emotions that many of us have gone through over the last couple of years making it both a personal experience but one that is completely relatable.
The 5 songs here have variation and variety, the post elements of a song like ‘Cursed Reflection’ have that melodicism that should hook in fans of Jesu whilst the growls and roars may somewhat scare them off but for me it works perfectly adding bite and gravitas to the lusher elements of the sound. If you do momentarily drift off here wait for a galloping burst of doom death to rudely revive you. At almost 13 minutes in length ‘Burying The Fear Of A Bitter Mind’ has a “dawn breaking relief of surviving a night of terror” sort of sound at entry lulling you into a false sense of security before the gibbering demons vocally come in and shows this is a nightmare without end. There’s certainly a bit of Esoteric vocally about this and I expect Chandler felt very comfortable working on it like a bit of a kindred spirit. The avant-garde near psychedelic twists and turns within this hulking monster are there to be digested too and it is a dense and sprawling listening experience. Fans of black metal are not entirely left alienated either, there’s some stalking creepy Mayhem like guitar tones found on ‘Eyes Emptied By Guilt’ and as Matt’s mind continues to unravel through to the concluding spectral, gothic ambience of the title track, those who give this their attention will be with him every step of the way.
I have enjoyed this a lot if that is the right term to use and really found myself engaging with the album over repeated listens. Some may find it a tough listen but the gentler boosts along the journey also lift the spirits somewhat too. Hopefully a new Pantheist album is taking shape and of course Kostas is just about to unveil his new Towards Atlantis Lights Opus. It really is the perfect time to be doomed and damned.
(7.5/10 Pete Woods)
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