Xe Gh'arth

Released last year (2023) but originally composed back in 2017, "Xe Gh'arth" might well have been French solo psychedelic black / death metal project Esoctrilihum's first or second work. Compared to some other releases by Esoctrilihum that I've heard in the past, "Xe Gh'arth" comes across as a much more streamlined and brutally savage recording, though already the songs on this EP are structurally complex and punishing on the ears. At this point in time, Esoctrilihum man Asthâghul was not yet using nyckelharpa (a violin-like fiddle with keys, used as a folk instrument in Sweden) and violin so what we get here is sheer blackened fury with death and doom elements, with a steely sound and a desolate atmosphere, topped by the most demonic guttural vocals as the music steamrolls its way through a dark cosmos that lacks meaning, purpose and direction.

Running just over 22 minutes with two long tracks, "Xe Gh'arth" gives us Esoctrilihum at a stage when the music relied less on bombastic symphonic BM arrangements with piano, synths and the aforementioned stringed folk instruments, and more on sheer power and thunder, with the inhuman vocals to match. First track "Xe Ecotrus Xarnium (The Curse of Nothingness)" is already a bewildering beast defying description other than that it springs one surprise after another in building up an occult universe of searing, blaring guitar riffs, bludgeoning percussion and a chorus of sinister demon voices. This dimension is made even more alien and mysterious with echo effects that give the music depth and coldness. Changes in rhythm and pace keep your attention riveted to the music, perhaps at the cost of your own sanity.

Second track "Helystharüv (Lost Control)" is no easier than the first track to assimilate, even though the style of music is not much different and the same demon voices are still in charge. There's more death metal influence in the early part of the song, especially in the blast-beat percussion, even as the keyboards pursue their own leisurely melodic path while other instruments are going hell-for-leather broke. Ambient effects and rhythms bring a dark cosmic sci-fi feel to the epic musical arrangements, and parts of the track are definitely as much cold and mysterious dark ambient as they are grinding black / death metal. Like the first track, "Helystharüv (Lost Control)" demands close attention resulting in immersion through unexpected, sudden changes in rhythm, riffing and pace, leading to a most unexpected, even serene climax.

The EP does have its bombastic moments where pounding your ears into submission overrides all other ways of getting your attention, but otherwise it does a good job attracting your attention with the bleak and dark soundscapes carved by the huge grinding guitars and ambient synth. The music flows well and while it may chop and change, it always remains focused on the end goal no matter how dangerous and distasteful that may be. The songs meander for much of their respective lengths but though the instruments may pursue their own paths, the results always harmonise well. At the end of it all, you'll either feel exhausted (even though the EP is not long) or curious to know more about the occult evil universe that exists in parallel with ours.