Asphagor is back.
Recently signed to Immortal Frost Productions, the band led by M.E. Sargoth (drums/guitar), Morgoth (vocals), Hybreos (guitar, Agrypnie, Perchta), M.Zanesco (guitar/bass) and P.P.Lps (bass) unveils its fifth album, The Aphotic Vortex.
The atmosphere darkens as soon as Procession begins, an unsettling introduction where we think we recognize the voices of a prisoner and his jailer, but also chains, before encountering Gates of Manifested Hell, where the bass provides a heavy groove while the jerky riffs lead us to growls. Initially threatening, they become much more theatrical before the violent accelerations, but the wave subsides to make way for Nostromo, a rather soothing seaside interlude disturbed by a few whispers, then by Rites of Embarkation, which revives the anxiety from its introduction. The sound quickly becomes more aggressive again, mixing double pedals and virulent rhythms that remain in fairly marked occult tones, allowing for more macabre touches, particularly in the vocals, but we also notice the soaring break before a ritualistic moment, then Path to Devotion Pt. I announces the next one. The percussion begins the ritual, followed by the guitars and finally a distant voice that invites us to join Path to Devotion Pt. II, which easily hypnotizes us before striking first at full power and then with mysterious harmonics that envelop our minds to carry us through the regular eruptions of rage. The furious solo precedes a new hazy break that fits perfectly with the storm we discover on Tehom, mixed with a minimalist melody before the vibrations that herald the dissonance of Into the Storm, the next track. Once the military march is over, the hurricane unleashes itself and exposes us to its Old School-style vengeance, allowing the five musicians to use their speed to their advantage for pure violence, but also to develop an oppressive atmosphere that continues with the beat of Arrival, then with the whispers. All voices fall silent to let Conditio Inhumana bring a touch of melancholy to what is an incredibly catchy base that succumbs as soon as possible to a raw, full-speed approach and does not hesitate to sink into madness for the solo. The tone barely calms down, but it is followed by Dissolution, which already weaves its intoxicating anguish, finally letting Morgoth offer clear vocals that are as dark as they are soothing, accompanying us to the last moments of this final track.
I clearly remember finding Asphagor‘s show quite mysterious and intriguing two years ago, and seeing that their sound continues to evolve into something disturbing is a great thing in my eyes. The unique atmosphere of The Aphotic Vortex can only delight you.
90/100
