Review Summary: Exploring Insanity.
Infestus from Germany provides listeners with a typical black metal sound but adds a heightened sense of atmosphere to ensure the listeners satisfaction.
Ex Ist is both heavy and melodic (two features that could be said for almost any band in and out of the genre) but between the combination of Infestus’ raw sound and darkened, unsettling atmosphere there is a message that is well received by the listener and for the most part will see them coming back for more.
Ex Ist makes for an enjoyable listen both in concept and instrumentally. Each component is from the mind of the (now) only member of the band, Andras written almost three years before the album’s release date.
Infestus may have all the makings of a rather generic, one man black metal project, but it’s the concept and the execution of the fundamentals that sees
Ex Ist succeed where other records may fail. Without looking at a broader or complete view of
Ex Ist listeners may overlook the fact that this is a quality release. It’s understandable; plodding chordal structures, rather generic vocals, a concept of instability that backed by a melodically dissonant atmosphere. The album for the most part screams ‘done-before’ or ‘sounds like everything else in the genre’ but listeners need to focus on the individuality of the instruments sound then combine these thoughts onto a grand scale where almost everything complements the mood of the record.
Ex Ist is in no way an “album of the year”, there are some features that do bring down the overall flow of the album. Problems with timing and the transitions at the end of structural phrasing give listeners a choppy effect that removes a lulling sense the album creates and wakes the listeners to the records subtle flaws.
Instrumentally, the album is acceptable. No particular instrument stands out with a mind-blowing display of technicality. Everything is done rather simply, and here simply is done well. The guitar solos may be few and far between but when used the effect is in no way diminished by an overuse of technique but instead shows a focus on melody and reinforcing the album’s atmospheric qualities. Not only does displays Andras’ sense of timing but also a lack of creative ideas clashing giving listeners a more focused and balanced sound.
Going into more depth into the album’s concept it’s semi-important to state the last records was a focus on extending the last seconds of human life beyond the point that was necessary. Whilst this time around the concept is not particularly that morbid, a darker concept nature is still prevalent.
Ex Ist follows schizophrenic behaviours and that of the minds of the insane. Andras pulls his own torments and experiences and adds them lyrically to tracks which are reinforced by that aforementioned atmosphere where the dissonant and minor keys really shine through making the album a trip through the world of insanity.
Overall, Andras’ vision leads to a remarkably solid album. Based on a concept built from insanity,
Ex Ist resonates loudly in the ears of the listener without overdoing any particular feature. Contrasting between up-tempo riffage and somewhat tranquil melodic minor passages
Ex Ist makes for a highly reccomendable listen, with a focused concept.
