Review Summary: Venomous metal magic!
The gentle acoustic introduction that acts as
Páthos gateway hides a pure, dissonant rage. “It Dwells” quickly moves from cinematic tone setter to a blistering collective of sludge, post-metalcore and bombastic black metal. Umbrella terminology that falls incredibly short of describing just
how visceral and majestic Páthos is as a whole. “Rot” much like the rest of the music to follow is incredible. A whirlwind of drum gymnastics bounce into the razor trill of guitar melodies and Conjurer’s now signature punchy roar. So far,
Páthos is about as laid back as a roller coaster virgin on their maiden voyage, virtues of heavier climes abound. Screams of fear and pleasure? Guaranteed. A doomier “All You Will Remember” and “Basilisk” may bridge the gap between a roaring dash down yonder slope, but the contrast between the ethereal twinkling skyline and the furor or rushing concrete adds wholly to the majesty [and scope] to which this UK act have become known for—venom intact. Despite the loading,
Páthos is heavier in the back end, as long as you provide an exception for the album’s finale “Cracks In The Pyre”. That right there would be a success story, probably like the roller coaster virgin making it to the end of the ride without puking, but
Páthos breathes in heaviness and unleashes razor compositions like “Suffer Alone” complete with jagged, frenzied riffs and infectious head-bopping grooves. Where the group’s debut floundered (even if only a minimal sense), the sophomore has rectified, maturing over the space of four years. Conjurer may release music at a slower scale than fans would like, but at least this portrait of anger, catharsis and occasional pensive ascension is a complete effort, tailor made to be the explosive piece of art it is.
