Sepulchre by the Sea is a one-man atmospheric black metal project that was formed in 2019 by musician Ashley Shannon. “Seven Chambers,” is his second full-length album under the moniker; an ep and a demo have also been released. The album is inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s story “The Masque of the Red Death.” It’s actually one long, 45 minute song that is divided up into seven tracks. I normally love long songs; BELL WITCH, INSOMINIUM, and ABYSSAL are just a few of many bands who over the years I’ve tried this concept as well—with a lot of success. Unfortunately, I don’t find this one up to the same pedigree. Listening straight through from beginning to end is, of course, the best way to experience this journey. However, it has more low than highs and dividing it into seven different songs only serves to highlight those less than desirable moments.

My biggest issue with the album is that it really doesn’t feel like one, cohesive song. For instant, “Blue Hubris,” doesn’t feel like the first three and a half minutes of the song but instead comes off as just another intro to an album. It isn’t a bad song but it doesn’t seem really serve the great whole. The clean texture in the beginning is beautiful and it smoothly transitions to distorted moments near the end so, as an intro, it isn't bad. This proves to be an issue with the other two instrumental songs, “Green Bath,” and “White Death.” The former is a piece of music I could do without. The buzzing of what I assume is flies takes me out of the song and makes it seem disconnected from the movement before and after it ends. I’ve no doubt it fits into the story very well but, and I’ve said this before, just because it makes sense to the musician/songwriter, does not mean it will translate as well to the listener.

The latter is engaging with its towering, epic sound and sweeping keys but it feels more like an interlude just shoved into the album instead of actually being part of the tapestry that it is supposed to be helping to weave. But, as with most albums, there are quite a few highlights as well. The epic 12 minute long “Violet Visions,” is the best song on the album. If the other songs had the vision and energy this one has, the album would be getting a higher rating for sure. The beginning is slow and atmospheric, heavy riffs hanging in the air and falling down like an unstoppable ethereal force. The blackened growls mix very well with the clean keys as they bounce off the wall of sound generated from the guitars/bass. The middle portion features deep, clean tones that build up into a very emotional piece that, in turn, gives way to blackened fire and fury.

While “Seven Chambers,” certainly isn’t a bad album, it is one that I just couldn’t find a firm grasp to hold on to. There is plenty of talent here and someone else may enjoy it far more than me. I look forward to their next album, despite my misgivings on this one.