Outre
Hollow Earth

4.5
superb

Review

by mthilliard USER (2 Reviews)
June 3rd, 2019 | 6 replies

Release Date: 2018 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Hell is here and we're in it

Outre's 2018 LP, Hollow Earth, gives a textbook nihilistic worldview in the medium of blackened death metal. It revolves around the ideas that humans and their attempts to find meaning are futile, the suffering of existence will culminate in the death of all in war, and there is no need to fight it as there is no hope.

The album imposes this philosophy with a mix of Behemoth-esque vocals that are immensely powerful but are notably controlled. This isn't a messenger of absolute chaos, but of certain death. Throughout, the guitar and drums switch between black and death to create and resolve tension with unearthly intensity. The relentless assault creates an experience where every second feels intentional and as if it is part of the message. Cultish chants, ghoulish raspiness, and tortured cries are other elements frequently used to immerse the listener in this hell on earth.

Outre goes above and beyond to create a sound that both narrates and exemplifies the suffering and hopelessness that it describes. The bleak picture that is painted comes through naturally and production quality is top notch, so it's an easy recommend to anyone looking to find something fresh in the genre.

"A vision of eternal suffering pales when faced with reality
Wandering without a purpose
Not a threat but a sheer continuum"

(lyrics below)

https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Outre/Hollow_Earth/733806

user ratings (66)

3.8
excellent

other reviews of this album

Dewinged STAFF (4)
Man is just a ragdoll in the hands of blackened death....

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discussion

On 18 Music Lists

Comments:

Gnocchi Staff Reviewer June 3rd 2019 18257 Comments	Album Rating: 3.5 I can see that this is a second review, but I've got some issues with it... mainly the fact that you haven't reviewed anything here. I'll explain: Outre's 2018 LP, Hollow Earth, gives a textbook nihilistic worldview in the medium of blackened death metal. It revolves around the ideas that humans and their attempts to find meaning are futile, the suffering of existence will culminate in the death of all in war, and there is no need to fight it as there is no hope. How? It's okay to bust out a statement, but back up the how or where. Remember to tie everything back to your thesis. Where is the nihilism? Did you simply learn a new word this week and want to sound smart? The second sentence helps broaden a definition of 'some' level of nihilistic attitudes but again, nothing is linked to the music. Maybe mention the lyricism, the way this album sounds, the colour of the sky - literally anything on topic to bring this together. The album imposes this philosophy with a mix of Behemoth-esque vocals that are immensely powerful but are notably controlled. Apart from the fact you brought Behemoth into this (name drop much?), there needs to be an expansion on this sweeping statement. Where are the vocals powerful? and how are they notably controlled?. Furthermore, what the fuck do you actually mean by this? This isn't a messenger of absolute chaos, but of certain death. "Sweep the leg" "Yes Sensei"

Gnocchi Staff Reviewer June 3rd 2019 18257 Comments	Album Rating: 3.5 Throughout, the guitar and drums switch between black and death to create and resolve tension with unearthly intensity. Better, but only slightly. There's also parts of speech here that tell me you don't have a clue what you're talking about or don't know how to put what's running through your brain into text. Instruments don't switch genres... Musicians switch playing styles between genres. Do you mean "create and resolve" as in "create and fix" tension with unearthly intensity? Either way there's still not enough here to get past the incredibly vague sweeping sentences that are 98% of this review. I won't go through the rest because there's enough examples shown here for you to get my point. The quote you've also placed at the end of the review doesn't add anything either. Remove.

frozencarl June 3rd 2019 1644 Comments	criticism is fine, but why so condescending? i thought the review was succinct in its brevity, and well-written at that

suppatime June 3rd 2019 1812 Comments	yeah i think this review is pretty well written but a lil short. dickish criticism (especially on a 2nd review) is weird and uncalled for but there is some valuable advice in there.

Gnocchi Staff Reviewer June 3rd 2019 18257 Comments	Album Rating: 3.5 It's meant to be completely blunt to be honest. I also acknowledged the fact that it's a second effort but all in all there should be some truth to feedback, and I don't know how to be gentle really. . I mean this guy has all the foundations for a great reviewer but it's not going to happen if you guys keep telling him this standard is okay. You're welcome to go have a look at Dev and Crysis tearing me a new one on my earlier reviews

suppatime June 4th 2019 1812 Comments	yeah i think truth in feedback is essential, just think you were a little too harsh with the wording lol. definitely think there's some good advice there though.

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