ALBUM REVIEW: Eternity Of Shaog – Esoctrilihum

Thanks to a wide palette of sounds, influences and instrumentation, by its very nature, black metal is one of metal’s most adventurous and experimental forms of musical extremity. Asthâghul, mastermind behind French black metal outfit ESOCTRILIHUM has been prolific to say the least. Since the release of debut, Echo From A Funeral Dimension, in 2017, the French one-man project has looked to push the genre into new harrowing depths. Three years since his first outing, ESOCTRILIHUM are back with their fifth offering, Eternity of Shaog. A mind-boggling descent into madness and, as it goes, it’s bloody brilliant.

In a year where ORANSSI PAZUZU and IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT will steal the spotlight for the more experimental and avant-garde minded listeners, ESOCTRILIHUM might slip under the radar, but that would be a damn shame as Eternity of Shaog can easily go toe to toe with the heavy hitters as its avant-garde nature and potency for a cacophonous soundscape ensures that it stands strong. Orthal kicks off the record as solid black metal-driven riffing and twisted vocals from Asthâghul dominates the track whilst splashes of esoteric mysticism demonstrates just an appetiser of ESOCTRILIHUM‘s vast soundscape. Whilst Orthal is certainly the most one-dimensional song on the record, it does achieve its goal in kicking off the record in explosive fashion.

From there, things certainly take a turn for the unusual as ESOCTRILIHUM really start to unveil the rich musical tapestry that lies within the record and in fact, you realise, this is a soundscape that is bursting with life and contains many surprises hiding in the shadows. Exh-Enî Söph (1st Passage – Exiled From Sanity) is the first example of this as sporadic use of the violin and more unsettling melodic-led instrumentation counters the vicious maelstrom of the howling vocals and dissonant guitars. Thritônh (2nd Passage – The Colour of Death) goes for the jugular as a whirlwind of blast beats, frost-bitten riffing and twisted vocals which showcase the ferocity within the band’s sonics whilst the hallucinogenic nature of the building violins ensure that you feel disorientated and on edge throughout.

Aylowenn Aela (3rd Passage – The Undying Citadel) is quite possibly the most unsettling track on the entire record and it is a clear album highlight. Whilst the use of the violins had been used sporadically to throw you off your pace in the previous two numbers, here, they become the focal point for the song and the impact is simply spectacular. Whilst the instrument itself is commonly associated with beauty and tranquillity, here, the way in which they twist and contort to the black metal bedrock throughout the song is absolutely stellar. This is a clear indication that Asthâghul is finally achieving his vision with the project.

It’s not all unsettling aural hellfire though, there are moments where ESOCTRILIHUM allow gorgeous splashes of melody breathe and take centre-stage and Shtg (4th Passage – Frozen Soul) is the shining example of this. Presenting itself as a four minute breather, the track boasts beautiful piano-driven play to allow you to catch your breath before the maelstrom swirls once more. And whilst there are subtleties of melody and tranquillity lying underneath the surface of the chaos, the decision to have one dedicated song where it can truly shine proves to be a masterstroke, further reinforcing the sheer breadth of musical experimentation that Asthâghul has undergone to bring this record to life.

With your breath caught, ESOCTRILIHUM hurl you back into the storm and rarely dial back the intensity, ensuring that Eternity of Shaog‘s second half is just as impactful as its first. Thanks to the clever incorporation of mystic guitarplay, Amenthlys (5th Passage – Through the Yth-Whtu Seal) feels like it could fit comfortably at home on a CULT OF FIRE record, Shayr-Thàs (6th Passage – Walk The Oracular Way)‘s dissonant riffing is absolutely colossal and benefits from the sharp production, allowing the musical storm to meticulously penetrate every fibre of your being and album closer, Monotony Of A Putride Life In The Eternal Nothingness, ensures the album finishes on a bleak and crushing note as the mood plummets to unfathomable depths. There’s rarely a dull moment and not once is the immersion shattered, it’s simply remarkable.

Despite Asthâghul’s ridiculously quick turnover of material, you could forgive him if Eternity of Shaog demonstrated a dip in quality but this is so far from the truth. Thanks to its instrumentation, mood and an overarching willingness to expand the soundscape as far as possible; this record is utterly magnificent. Invest some time, and Eternity of Shaog will embed itself in your ears and it’s quite the ride. Strap yourself in and brace to lose your mind in the chaos.

Rating: 9/10

Eternity Of Shaog is out now via I, Voidhanger Records.

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