Xasthur Subliminal Genocide
Hydra Head HYH-115 September 12th, 2006
By Nathan Pearce
Yes, you read that right. Xasthurs latest full-length is being released on Hydra Head Records home of Pelican, among other thinking mans bands. In association with Battle Kommand Records, Hydra Head apparently decided their first steps in the black metal universe would be with the band that could possibly be the US most revered black metal band ever.
Xasthur barely needs an introduction, so Ill just say the obvious. Ever since the band (its really one man, if you didnt know) broke through with 2001s Nocturnal Poisoning, the metal world has taken notice of what this band has done. Along with a handful of similar US bands, Xasthur has been responsible for the respect, disdain, and influence of American black metal in the metal community. Xasthurs brand of black ash, analog hatred and suicide is pretty much responsible for the now stereotyped USBM sound.
So whats Subliminal Genocide like? Well . . . its Xasthur. To be honest, though, this is the first album since NP that has truly tried to advance the sound that started a movement. While the analog/dampened blackness is still the prominent component, along with the severely tortured vocals, Xasthur is starting to really excel at the ambience that bands like this arent known for so much. Itd be ridiculous to tell you which songs are best/worst, because Xasthur is more about the experience than the songs. As usual the experience is deeply rooted in hatred, darkness, and suicide.
If you think Xasthur might have pulled a funny one on you and produced something totally different, youre stupid. However, Xasthur has finally shown theyre (hes) willing to take this band to even more sickening levels. The use of atmosphere, and in particular the way that atmosphere is achieved, is quite extrodinary. Easily Xasthurs best since Nocturnal Poisoning.
7.5/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Hydra Heads Official Website
Hydra Head HYH-115 September 12th, 2006
By Nathan Pearce
Yes, you read that right. Xasthurs latest full-length is being released on Hydra Head Records home of Pelican, among other thinking mans bands. In association with Battle Kommand Records, Hydra Head apparently decided their first steps in the black metal universe would be with the band that could possibly be the US most revered black metal band ever.
Xasthur barely needs an introduction, so Ill just say the obvious. Ever since the band (its really one man, if you didnt know) broke through with 2001s Nocturnal Poisoning, the metal world has taken notice of what this band has done. Along with a handful of similar US bands, Xasthur has been responsible for the respect, disdain, and influence of American black metal in the metal community. Xasthurs brand of black ash, analog hatred and suicide is pretty much responsible for the now stereotyped USBM sound.
So whats Subliminal Genocide like? Well . . . its Xasthur. To be honest, though, this is the first album since NP that has truly tried to advance the sound that started a movement. While the analog/dampened blackness is still the prominent component, along with the severely tortured vocals, Xasthur is starting to really excel at the ambience that bands like this arent known for so much. Itd be ridiculous to tell you which songs are best/worst, because Xasthur is more about the experience than the songs. As usual the experience is deeply rooted in hatred, darkness, and suicide.
If you think Xasthur might have pulled a funny one on you and produced something totally different, youre stupid. However, Xasthur has finally shown theyre (hes) willing to take this band to even more sickening levels. The use of atmosphere, and in particular the way that atmosphere is achieved, is quite extrodinary. Easily Xasthurs best since Nocturnal Poisoning.
7.5/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Hydra Heads Official Website
