3.1.22 by Jacob DeRaadt

A power electronics record about contagion seems fitting for these times of isolation and mental instability. Whether Red Death refers to the Edgar Allen Poe story or not (Audrey Beardsley cover art has me thinking yes), it sets the tone for the world that envelops the listener.

“Blood Was It’s Avatar, and It’s Seal” has ice cold droning synth, echoing scrap metal, and drawn out, wraithlike vocals that one might expect from a black metal album. The second track, “Grave Cerements and Corpse-Like Mask,” is 11 minutes of ear splitting high frequencies. The kind of auditory S&M treatment that pairs well with self-mutilation and suicidal thoughts.  Excellent pain! Submit yourself! The brief fourth track has a melodic synth line weaving through the sheets of static and vocals.  

I would’ve enjoyed a lyric sheet with this release, but otherwise it’s a great album that I’ll come back to. There’s enough filth and structure in the textures and vocal approach to satisfy me. I’ll have to check out more from this Welsh power electronics project. Definitely my favorite release out of the recent Black Ring Rituals output.