Subconscious Dissolution into the Continuum

One definition of the word 'Esoteric' is secret. It is certainly no secret that Esoteric have taken the British funeral doom genre by the hand and taken it down their own set path, putting their own spin on a genre that is viewed by many as lifeless. Not only have Esoteric scaled the heights of the British scene, but are known all over the world for their wave after wave of ethereal sound attacks. Esoteric's reputation is like a monolith. It's like a large block of stone that has become immovable over time and so huge that their name will never be wiped from the history books. Their influence is undoubted and one can see why.


In many ways one could say that Esoteric are a typical funeral doom act. Their sound is typical of any funeral doom band due to the fact that they create soundscapes which act as melancholic segments intricately placed side by side. Where many bands fail is when their individual musicians seemingly compete for status and control over the reigns. Esoteric do not do this. Their music plays side by side. It attacks the listener as one, leaving a frail and fragile human being at the end of it. Esoteric's mammoth guitars create a wall of sound impenetrable by any force. Using three guitarists is an advantage to Esoteric, whereas many other bands might fail to cease the opportunity. Each guitarist inspires the next to create this wall of sound by producing some of the most misanthropic riffs you will ever be likely to hear.


The effect of the guitars is imperative to the atmospheric nature of Esoteric. They explore the realms of soundscapes impeccably well. Emotive and ethereal, they drive on like a stake through the heart of the listener. Penetrating your being and infecting your body with their rhythmic dirges. This is perhaps the most pleasing element of Esoteric. Both in the past and now in the present, Esoteric have always had the ability to amass a sound so beautiful, yet haunting. The use of keys is also a great advantage. The keys possess the ability to be able to express the lyrical themes without the use of any words. They give an eerie feeling of vast space and eternity. The vocals, although nothing incredibly special, convey the lyrical themes effectively. Which ultimately, is all they need to do.


"Such a need to explode.
For this time ticks slowly,
Through this, the greyest of all days."


The lyrics portray my vision of the music almost perfectly. Esoteric's slow, but forceful sound creates a desire in the listener for the music to explode into a rapturous fit of rage, pulling off one stunning riff after another. But time ticks slowly. Esoteric's music is in no rush to go anywhere. It's long drawn out sound is important. It sets the mood. In such an atmospheric genre, this is undeniably an important aspect. Esoteric act as a grey spot in a somewhat lifeless genre. They add depth and quality to the proceedings through solid songwriting and fantastic musicianship.