Search - Deathspell Omega :: Chaining the Katechon

An Epic, Dissonant Triumph from Deathspell Omega

General Zombie | the West | 05/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With "Chaining the Katechon," Deathspell Omega continue their evolution into one of the most compelling extreme metal bands on the planet. Though only a single track EP, this 22-minute composition contains more depth and subtlety than many black metal bands manage in an entire career. Indeed, the title black metal is becoming increasingly obsolete: while the innovative "Kenose" and "Fas" remained acquainted with black metal riffing/blasting, the dissonant and avant-garde elements are ascendant here, so much that "Chaining the Katechon" reminds far more of "Obscura" and "Catch-33" than of traditional black metal. Ironically, this change actually makes DsO slightly less unique, but the songwriting remains as compelling as on "Fas." While "Katechon" lacks the unremitting brutality of "Fas" or "Kenose," it makes for an eerily compelling soundscape, and makes another fine addition to DsO's catalogue.



"Katechon" continues the dynamic, multi-part songwriting established on previous DsO releases, but the balance has shifted: dissonance now rules, exemplified by the grating, shrieking opening riff overlaying some relatively rare blastbeats. The tortured riffing, fortunately, displays surprising variety, mixing clashing chords with piercing harmonics and serpentine licks. As a whole, "Katechon" is slower and less heavy than recent releases, but this more staid approach allows the subtleties and knotted rhythms to reveal themselves. Odd rhythms dominate, usually midpaced and lurching, though they occasionally settle into a stomping groove where the bass adds weight to airy riffing. (See the chorus.) As earlier, "Katechon" allows just a few whispers of conventional melody to surface, adding just a hint of accessibility to grab the listener initially. (Note the slow, climactic passage and vaguely post-metal break early on.) Despite the harsher riffing, "Katechon" is perhaps slightly more accessible than "Fas" as far as songwriting goes, with a little more repetition and fewer harsh transitions. Nevertheless, it contains enough depth that none should feel leery about forking out 12 bucks for a 22 minute release.



Some have complained that this album lacks the cohesion of traditional black metal. This is true to a degree (what could be more cohesive than playing the same riff 100 times in a row?), but the tonal consistency is impressive, particularly considering the variety of influences and dramatic tempo changes. The last few DsO releases already managed a sense of wholeness, but "Katechon" nevertheless expands on this angle, down to the again impressive artwork and lyrics.



Rambling though it has been, this review cannot hope to convey the impressive effect of DsO. As I said in my "Fas" review, all tech-metal fans need to check this out.

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Excellent EP From Deathspell Omega

Musical Warfare | Seattle, WA, USA | 01/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Chaining the Katechon" is a 20+ minute one-song EP in the vein of Deathspell Omega's earlier "Diabolus Absconditus" and "Mass Grave Aesthetics" tracks. The musical style of the EP is closest to that of Fas -- Ite, Maledicti, In Ignem Aeternum, especially in its frequent use of highly dissonant chords and passages of almost incomprehensibly fast and chaotic black metal.



In fact, this may be Deathspell Omega's most technical and complex composition to date. It's full of twisted riffs and contains several abrupt tempo and mood changes. Calling Deathspell Omega the black metal equivalent of Gorguts is at this point not very far-fetched. This is definitely not the place to start if you're trying to get into Deathspell Omega or black metal in general. It's highly evolved, very progressive experimental black metal that easily blows away almost everything else being released right now.



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