ALBUM REVIEW: Mythographer B-Sides – Antethic

Instrumental Russian trio ANTETHIC have been plying their ambient, electronic wares since 2012, though last year’s Mythographer was their first album to see international release through the now-defunct Holy Roar Records. They’re now signed to cult underground label Church Road Records and are set to release Mythographer B-Sides which, as the name suggests, is a collection of rarities and reimaginings from the previous album. 

There’s two new tracks here – Scope and Nothing – and four remixes, two of Haoma (by EURODEATH and fellow Russians WOWOD) as well as a remix of Frontier by PIJN and I Glow by PRESSOR. Given there’s six songs and only two entirely new songs, you’d be forgiven for thinking Mythographer B-Sides is a cop out; but it really isn’t, and doesn’t feel like one either. 

Opener Scope starts with a quiet, pulsating beat that slowly unfurls, adding a little complexity here and there but mainly keeping the same rhythm throughout. It’s a minimalist number that’s more like the album opening up to get you in the right headspace for the remainder of what’s to come. It’s repetitive and trance-like, leading to a quiet outro of pulsing bass notes. 

Second new song Nothing is anything but; it’s a ten minute behemoth of a song, though again it paints from the same palette as Scope. It feels like a continuation of the story too, with the swelling synths and gradual, granular progression paying off with a repeating synth melody. As a pair of opening songs, they’re both very strong material which only serves to underscore just how interesting Mythographer was to not include these two. 

From here we’re into the remixes, with EURODEATH’s take on Haoma up first. It’s apparent almost immediately that it’s quite different to what’s come before, simply in the tone and timbre of the synths, though again it’s clearly still ANTETHIC at heart. The frenetic drumming lends an almost drum ’n’ bass feel that feels somewhat disjointed from earlier songs but again, given it’s a remix, this doesn’t really detract from the album. 

PIJN’s remix – or cover, really, of Frontier is perhaps one of the most interesting pieces here, given their penchant for string-led instrumental metal. Their more organic sound lends itself well to ANTETHIC’s compositional style. It feels somehow even grander and more expansive than before and it’s surely an album highlight. PRESSOR’s take on I Glow is similar and made heavier by its guitar-driven approach that highlights the original in a new light with its different textures and heavier approach. Finally, we’re treated to the second take on Haoma by black metallers WOWOD, and to call it a departure from their expected style would be an understatement. It leans into their more atmospheric tendencies well and there’s discordant, stressful moments and even an appearance of soft vocals, but ultimately it’s more serene than anything.

Ultimately Mythographer B-Sides is just what it says on the tin, but it’s also clearly meant as a companion piece to its predecessor as a way of highlighting songs in new ways. Both the two new songs are blissful, ambient soundscapes that flow into one another gracefully, though it’s arguably the covers and remixes that are the star of the show here. WOWOD and PIJN bring new elements of the songs to life and give a lush, more organic take on ANTETHIC’s already expansive sound. While not ultimately an essential listen, it’s an interesting companion and counterpoint to last year’s Mythographer that’s easy to recommend for its soothing soundscapes and new, interesting versions of previous material. 

Rating: 7/10

Mythographer B-Sides is set for release on July 23rd via Church Road Records.

Like ANTETHIC on Facebook.