Review Summary: Swelling imminence.
Anonymity is an incredible thing. The willingness to don a veil of invisibility to perpetuate genuine artistic endeavors should be commended in the age of the internet. A refusal of disclosure is fitting of Deathspell Omega's cryptic sound and
The Synarchy Of Molten Bones is nigh impregnable. More so than anything, this release is the sound of swelling imminence; every song is underpinned by an uninterrupted flow of unnerving motion. Prominence for their intense synergy of compositional dynamics is almost drowned out. Every decision is made in preparation for the next, with songs living in a moment-to-moment basis. Regardless, a calculated and auratic grip hangs above, refusing to subside until long after the album comes to a close.
The Synarchy Of Molten Bones represents the band at their most direct. Every progression is glued together by a strict adherence to flow. This is not to say the album is predictable. Rather, transitions between riffs and intervals are seamless and steady, with sudden tonal shifts being used sparingly enough that their occurrences bring intentional shock rather than disjointed frustration. It is an interesting approach considering how similar the tone and feel of the record feels like the second half of
Fas, regardless of the minimal use of breaks and pauses between the blasting. The opener/title track exemplifies the similarity as it slowly builds to a climax which it then proceeds to sit atop for the majority of its run length. Even during the waves of angular bass lines, inexorable kit punishment and spindly fret wizardry, the band manages to seep an unnerving ambiance in either through effects or astute harmonic progressions. It is unforced and feeds into the enigmatic image the band portray through the organic way in which it presents itself. On rare occasion, it appears at the forefront; "Onward where Most with Ravin I may meet" concludes with a small surge of atmospheric intensity before plunging into a very
Paracletus-esque fading arpeggio.
Experimentation is not a priority with
The Synarchy Of Molten Bones. Brevity might be a trait adopted from the more experimental releases in the band's discography (namely, the EPs), but this still invokes an atmosphere of narration seen in the prior full-lengths through its keen direction. With every instrument constantly busy throughout the duration of
The Synarchy Of Molten Bones, the untapped mayhem becomes a medium for the sparse alterations in dynamics to act as key events in a winding and twisted tale. From an instrumental standpoint, this is a wildly impressive endeavor. Deathspell Omega is performing at their most technical from start to finish: obscenely rapid kit fills, almost indecipherable walls of dissonant riffing, and ravaged growls that punctuate every movement with uncompromising aggression prove that the band is far from losing their touch. Seeing them manage to retain this unflinching violence within a release that is simultaneously short and focused is impressive to say the least. It is a release comfortable with its sound, unapologetic in its belligerence, and dedicated in its desire to flow.
There is something seismic about
The Synarchy Of Molten Bones, something larger than the walls of sound and the repetitions of fury. In a very short amount of time with a very selective approach to obvious dynamic shifts, a haunting account has been relayed. This isn't a band bound by temerarious vigor, nor is it a band devoid of creative intrigue. There is no intense dependency on subjecting listeners to hordes of reverberated synths or incessantly cavernous production values. When the time calls for a shift, the song will shift appropriately. Initially, I felt that this release was predictable in light of the band's impenetrable back catalog. However, as the songs continued to effortlessly drift between stages of despondency, anger, and depravity, it became more and more apparent that
The Synarchy Of Molten Bones was persistently one step ahead. It understood my predictions, and fed me the right movements exactly when I needed it to. Not a second wasted, not a stone left unturned. Somehow, within an album so dense with colossal climaxes, I have still been left rocked by the immersing subtleties laced within the havoc.
