Parasite

Untervoid

Untervoid’s 2024 LP Parasite is an ambitious, progressive foray into the depths of Black Metal, melding a raw intensity with a meticulously crafted atmosphere that leaves an indelible mark on the listener’s psyche. Hailing from Poland, this band continues to redefine the genre with an approach that is at once brutally aggressive and hauntingly poetic. Throughout the album, one encounters a soundscape that is both expansive and claustrophobic, where every note serves as a gateway into a realm of existential despair and transcendence.
March 7, 2025

The record opens with "Parasite" a track that immediately sets a somber tone with its deep, disharmonious riffs and aggressive layered atmospherics. The song paints a picture of celestial beings stripped of their glory, their once-radiant halos replaced by the tattered remnants of a long-forgotten rebellion. Guttural vocals, imbued with both anguish and defiance, cascade over the instrumental backdrop, drawing the listener into a narrative of fallen grace and eternal damnation. The guitar work here is both virtuosic and visceral, punctuating the track with harmonized solos that cut through the murk of despair.

Moving forward, the track "23" introduces a thematic complexity that is both challenging and exhilarating. With its rapid-fire riffs and intricate tempo shifts, the song mirrors the chaotic fragmentation of modern existence. Lyrically, it dissects the futility of blind faith and the existential cost of pursuing hollow promises. The production quality is impeccable, with the voice and guitar each resonating with clarity and power, allowing the listener to discern the subtle interplay of melody and brutality. The unexpected jazzy interlude imbues the song with an exquisite sensitivity, a delicate brushstroke of warmth amidst its darker textures. Its refined elegance introduces a moment of introspective beauty that elevates the entire composition, a nuance I find utterly enchanting.

"Downfall of Angels," is a piercing exploration of decay and corruption, where a raw, rock-and-roll riff explodes into dynamic fury before giving way to a brooding, immersive ambience. Stellar vocal delivery and impeccable drum work weave a tapestry of sonic textures that mirror its scathing lyrics—a metaphorical assault on a parasitic force that preys on humanity's inevitable decline. In just a few potent minutes, this track captures the duality of brutal aggression and introspective gloom, marking it as a standout example of modern death metal’s capacity to blend raw power with reflective elegance.

"Azure Agony" offers a stark contrast, presenting a reflective, almost melancholic atmosphere that borders on the hypnotic. Here, clean yet distorted lines evoke a sense of disorientation—a descent into a liquid prison under a black sun. The vocals adopt a more introspective timbre, lending the track an air of sorrowful resignation. This song is a meditative interlude amid the chaos, a moment of introspection that questions the very nature of reality and consciousness.

In "Abyss Gazes Back", UNTERVOID challenges the listener with an immersive exploration of nihilism. The track’s relentless barrage of dissonant riffs and blast beats is tempered by moments of eerie calm, as if the void itself were speaking in whispered tones. The song’s dynamics are masterfully balanced, oscillating between explosive crescendos and quiet, contemplative passages, evoking the timeless struggle between oblivion and rebirth.

The album reaches a fevered pitch with "Swarm", a cacophonous climax where relentless aggression meets a meticulously constructed sense of chaos. The instrumentation is ferocious, with each divebomb solo and thunderous drum beat contributing to a sonic assault that is as methodically arranged as it is brutally effective. The lyrics, delivered with a guttural intensity, serve as an invocation to reject the delusions of order and embrace the raw, untamed force of nature.

The album that encapsulates the essence of modern progressive Black Metal. UNTERVOID deftly weaves together themes of existential dread, cosmic nihilism, and transformative decay, all while maintaining a sense of poetic elegance. With superb vocal production and intricately layered guitars, this record is a testament to the band's commitment to exploring the darkest corridors of the human condition, offering a visceral yet introspective journey that is both brutal and hauntingly beautiful.

 

 

10 / 10

Masterpiece

Songwriting

10

Musicianship

10

Memorability

10

Production

10
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"Parasite" Track-listing:

1. Parasite
2. 23
3. Downfall of Angels
4. Abyss Gazes Black
5. Ruiner
6. Swarm
7. Azure Agony
8. Last Shore

Untervoid Lineup:

A. - Drums
Destroyer - Guitars, Vocals, Saxophone
Haldor Grunberg - Bass

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