By its nature black metal doesn't just defy convention, it spits right in conventions face. Since its inception the genre has thrived on unorthodox song structures, absurd track lengths and a plethora of other devices that would have your average music fan cringe in disgust. While in some other genres employing such characteristics could potentially lead to failure, some of black metal's most ambitious artists are also their most successful - from Deathspell Omega to Sigh, bands are embracing their eccentricities and finding recognition. Formed in 2012 Doth follow in the footsteps of their predecessors not musically, but creatively, granting themselves the freedom to pursue black metal on terms of their own.
With only two songs to offer,
Datura Wrightii's title track is what really makes this demo worth owning - the flow and structure is just absolutely fantastic. The track starts in typical black metal fashion (tremolo picking, blast beats, pained shrieks, etc...) but soon segues into a droning riff built off nothing but a single note. The riff continues, building more tension as it goes, and just
before it becomes unbearable, the song breaks into a chilling crescendo, simple yet haunting. The guitars become nothing more than a wisp of air as the bass takes the forefront, complimented by the steady salute of the trumpet, an unexpected element that truly pays off here. From the pace to what's being played, the song is black metal perfection and is an excellent display of just how versatile the genre can be when the proper technique has been applied.
The demo's second track "Schist Crevice" isn't necessarily bad as it is completely pointless. A mix of wintry ambiance, standard black metal and static noise, the song (which is largely instrumental) seems as if its inclusion was an afterthought, just a placeholder to keep the demo from being a one track release. Despite the inclusion of a throwaway track,
Datura Wrightii is still definitely worth seeking out - the title track's unique style is a guaranteed favorite amongst not only traditional black metal fans but also all those who may be just a bit tired of the genre's tested tried and true formula. It may be too early to tell but if "Datura Wrightii" is an indication, Doth is an upcoming band with something fresh to offer the genre, giving the scene as good a reason as any to keep their eyes open for future releases.
