Voidthrone – Metaphysical Degradation
Release Date: 27th October 2022
Label: Self Released/Total Dissonance Worship (Vinyl)
Bandcamp
Genre: Dissonant Black Metal
FFO: Akercocke, Krallice, Michel Anoia.
Review By: Eric Wilt
I remember when Dillinger Escape Plan came out with Calculating Infinity, I heard the album’s genre referred to as “chaos.” I thought it was an apt description of Dillinger’s music at the time. After listening to Voidthrone’s EPs, Spiritual War Tactics and Kur, and now having lived with Metaphysical Degradation for a couple of weeks, I think Voidthrone is an even better representation of what I think the “chaos” genre should sound like. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest and featuring Gavin Brooks on bass, Zhenya Frolov on vocals, theremin, and conch, Josh Keifer on drums, and Ron on guitars, Voidthrone has created a dissonant masterpiece so chaotic that it feels like they are going to lose control at any second. And maybe they do lose control from time to time, but if so, it’s in a way that feels purposeful. Their music is complex and challenging, but rewarding at the same time.
Like some unholy hybrid of black metal and jazz, songs like Pyrrhic Victory, Metaphysical Degradation, and Hypertheistic combine black metals diminished chords and strained screams with mind-bending runs of notes that would make even the most seasoned musical theorist scratch their head. In other songs like Converging Personality Simulation and Ravenous, Voidthrone focuses on dissonance while keeping an eye to composition. Repetition in these songs creates an almost trance like state for the listener that is somehow peaceful amidst the overwhelming chaos.
Fans of dissonant metal, black metal, and an overall feeling of chaos in their music will find much to enjoy on Metaphysical Degradation.
(4.5 / 5)
