First impression:

I miss Mikko's vocals.

Written by Paz on 23.03.2022 at 15:52

First impression:

I miss Mikko's vocals.

I thought they sounded different too, most noticeably on the first track. A cursory google search didn't turn up any mention of a vocalist change but the reference to a "third era" of DsO on their bandcamp would seem to make such a suggestion.

The people on FB say it's Arioch from Funeral Mist but I'm confused

At the very least track 1 is Arioch, I would recognize that cadence anywhere.

Written by Paz on 23.03.2022 at 16:13

The people on FB say it's Arioch from Funeral Mist but I'm confused

It sounds absolutely like Mortuus, 99% sure it's him

You guys be tripping if you miss Mikko. This is the marriage I never knew I needed in my musical life. Mortuus is a beast and his persona more than complements the vibe of Deathspell Omega's music. Funeral Mist and DSO are pretty similar lyric-wise most of the time. It just suits him a lot.

About the rest of the album: THAT BASS. THAT FUCKING BASS. I love it so much. The bass and the drums are groovy beyond belief. It really paid off to do something different and throw a curveball with a mid-paced album that is soaked in groovy riffs and catchy beats. The dissonant melodies on top for garnish. This is their best since Paracletus or even since FAS if it gets better with repeated listenings. There is some gothrock vibe that is just... ARGH. The ending of this album just blew me away.

You are just a fanboy Rod

Heck, in the second track I clearly hear Mikołaj from Mgła hehe

The album is mighty good. I need more listens...

The cover art looks like a darker version of Hearts Toward None, which had me intrigued from the start, although it sounds more like Age Of Excuse, with more experimental parts going on, a wee different to their previous releases. Musically it's very well put together, the mid tempo build-ups and dark ambience draws me in, leaving me with a slight hypnotic feeling, it's good, maybe less chaotic than what I've heard so far in Deathspell Omega's discog, but they do seem to create quality consistent music, and their production and sound is spot on as usual

Like every DsO album, it needs way more listens. But my first thought was "god, I´m gonna love this new era". I´m not missing Aspa here. In fact, I love the dramatism of Arioch's voice (if it's really him), sounds more human and less restrained.

I need more time to digest it, but I loved most of what I heard with my first listen.

This is my introduction to this band and it's not the best thing I've heard but I am interested enough to check out their other albums.

4 listens in and I'm loving this. Its probably my favourite dissoD album since Stare Into Death.

DsO have been constantly evolving their sound. Although I´m not a big fan of the post-Paracletus era, I've enjoyed every album as they always get to deliever satisfaction in one way or another. Here I can hear bits of the good-old DsO, but in a totally new direction. The album is pure feeling, they have slowed down and don't sound as macabre as in their previous works. Instead, they focus their efforts in building a sorrowful atmosphera sustained by hypnotic melodies intertwined with dissarmonic guitars and thick basslines. Drumwork is amazing too, organic and full of details.

As I said above, I don't miss Aspa at all. Vocals here are fucking perfect, charged by dramatism while exploring many harsh vocals techniques. It's a complex album, but not in the technical side but in it's structure and in how the band is pushing his sound forward by incorporating new ideas to the old style, to take you in a mesmerizing emotional journey. Talented artists make ideas work. I won't pretend this is their most original work but it's definetely another twist in their career, and a really good one. Originality isn't what makes DsO so great, but their ability to standout in every musical direction they decide to take.

I can't put this at the same level of masterpieces like Si Monumentum, Kenose, Fas or Paracletus, but I´m intrigued about this new DsO and strongly willing to see where they're going.

Rating: LOVE ❤️❤️🖤

Still have not finished this but I can say that for all their satanic worship, their biggest sin yet is the incorporation of guitar solos here.

Ok, is it just me or is that the most straightforward album of DSO (not counting the first two.. I know nothing about them)?

It sounds good to me, but I miss the mindfuck that I expect to get from a DSO album

Written by Dinruth on 31.03.2022 at 19:07

Ok, is it just me or is that the most straightforward album of DSO (not counting the first two.. I know nothing about them)?

It sounds good to me, but I miss the mindfuck that I expect to get from a DSO album

I was going to make the exact same comment. It sounds more like post-black metal than DsO...then again I've not really familiarised myself with their work much so I'm not the authority of DsO simplification

Really special album, and a direction I was hoping DsO would take. In Furnaces..., the more "unconventional" tracks were my favorite and now we have a full album pushing different ideas and influences perfectly blended together. So many things going on, I was eager to press the repeat button after it was over for the first time! Love the vocal approach, varying each song but also combining them. I do think I hear Mikko on #3? And Mgla guy is definitely on #5.

Written by Vombatus on 06.04.2022 at 16:47

And Mgla guy is definitely on #5.

That's probably why it's my fave track on the album

I thought the last track was VERY questionnable
Loved tracks 2 with Mikko and track 3 sung in French though

Very good surprise, their best work since Drought. I don't miss Aspa vocals as I feel they were always the weakest link of the band, lacking any emotion and clarity.

Written by Derelict Earth on 09.05.2022 at 09:37

I don't miss Aspa vocals as I feel they were always the weakest link of the band, lacking any emotion and clarity.

But they're still here.

Written by RaduP on 09.05.2022 at 10:11

Written by Derelict Earth on 09.05.2022 at 09:37

I don't miss Aspa vocals as I feel they were always the weakest link of the band, lacking any emotion and clarity.

But they're still here.

Yes they are, but it's a breath of fresh air to hear other vocalists. I especially liked the one in the first track, that had some dramatic tension to it.

Oh man, this is the best they've sounded in a while. Lots of changes here, but quite enjoying them. Probably because it's predominantly in the midtempo area. Not saying these guys can't be great during their more frenetic, blasty moments but I've always found them way more interesting and hypnotic when they slow things down. Excellent record.

Forgettable and unremarkable. Hell I even forgot about this album for half a year. Their worst album until now.

Revisited it for the awards and it's still not blowing me away. It's fine. New vocals are a welcome change as Aspa is fucking terrible, but this and some change in direction is not enough.