Another day, another band with undisclosed members. This time they spring from Oranssi Pazuzu, Seth and ‘other undisclosed bands’. Fair enough and also if you like either of those two bands I’d advise you to run out and buy this, also if you tend to hang with the bands on this label, likewise. Definitely aimed at you. That’ll teach me not to read the blurb until after…
So ‘A Light In Disguise’ starts off with atmospheric, chanted vocals, a discordant melody and then the riff and frantic drumming kicks in although the song itself is a fairly slow, ominous pace. The lead vocals growl/snarl from the cavernous sound, twisting themselves out of shape as moments of held quiet take the stage before, of course it all comes crashing down once more.
The first thing to note is this is a big sound. Sonically this has the power to push the world into the background and within the five-minute length of the track you also are forced to confront the fact that this black/death band (and I stand by that description) are both serious and have a sharp intellect glistening away in the darkness. The album feels as though its concerns are with what I would think of as the high occultism; Egyptian ideas pulled this way and that by the practitioners we all know of in the 60s and 70s -Crowley, Blavatsky, O.T.O. And their contemporaries. A bit of Thelemism in the hedonistic qualities to some of the lyrics. I’m probably so wide of the mark its laughable as my days of delving into such matters are long behind me but this music is designed to create an impression and that is the impression, mistaken or not, that I receive.
So what of the music, the album as a whole? Well for me it is certainly not an album to dissect track by track despite coming in at a restrained forty odd minutes. To be honest,and perhaps a little blunt, I find this album difficult. Not because the music is so complex, not at all. It is layered, yes and deftly arranged for certain. But it is also relentless. That is often a good thing, a focus and an intent that simply does not let go of you. It has a wall of sound, those kick drum driven intense riffs, the discordant melody lines sliding out throughout the album to try and keep you off balance and uneasy, the rise of that melody as the vocals dip into ritualistic calls. It should be like being pulled into a ritual, a journey through the void as entities gather round or watch you with utter disinterest and disdain. The problem is with me that is not what happened.
This album is so focussed, so intent on its own self (again, commendable) that it simply ploughs on and completely brushes me aside as it goes. I’m left pushed against the temple doors as it surges into the darkness on its own mission and there I am, at the gate and not even able to see what is happening.
It is a single sound throughout to me I’m afraid. That black/death hybrid that dances with tempos and moments of quiet intensity and yet somehow leaves me with a memory of a single tempo and a single sound throughout. Nothing takes me with it, nothing grabs or holds or even brutally forces me into obedient listening despite the musicality on display or the deep and serious intent of the album. I attempt the summoning again and again and to no avail. I’m still at the doors of the temple, wondering and oblivious to the worship within.
It’s sad, but there again this isn’t designed to be music for everyone. I think Aset would be upset if that was the case.
As I said at the top; if those two bands and the label are your esoteric library of choice you can’t excuse yourself for not looking into Aset. Just not for me at all sadly.
(5.5/10 Gizmo)
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