On November 29, 2019, the Australian band PLOUGHSHARE released "Tellurian Insurgency." This marks their second EP and their third release in total since their debut EP "Literature of Piss" in 2017. Their first full-length album "In Offal, Salvation" was released just last year. Impressive output aside, the band adds electronic and doom elements to black metal for a notable sound. According to the band themselves, they play a "sepulchral din." The descriptor could not be more apt. Ferocious riffs bring the chaos while more measured ones bring the doom and gloom. Production wise, this album is almost as raw as the flesh of that poor corpse on the cover. Thankfully, it is not so raw that individual instruments are muddled.

The opening track "Abreactive Trance" begins with electronic noise and a terrifying voiceover. The black metal riff that follows utterly pummels the listener with a barrage of blast beats. The low end from the guitars rounds out the wall of sound nicely. Along with the deep tone, a few choice moments of drudging riffs bring in a doom metal sound. "Indistinguishable Beast of Flight" does not let up with the wall of sound. The beginning riff has a roiling and murky quality. After a brief black metal passage, the vocals descend into deranged yells and screams.

The next track is "In Offal, Salvation (Andrew Nolan Re-mix)." As the name suggests, it is a re-mix of the titular track from their 2018 full-length release "In Offal, Salvation." This version features an electronic and industrial influence, with synthetic sounding drums and sound effects. Have no fear, as the black metal riffs are as blistering as ever. The resultant sound is no less discordant or punishing. Compared to the re-mix, the original version has a more punk vibe and old school black metal style.

Last is the closing track "Xeno-Chemical Insider." Instrumentation is sparse, with barely a guitar riff played. The drumming is rhythmic but restrained. The components that remain are the many delirious screams and the dark electronic background. The combined effect is still every bit as eerie and frightening as the other songs. Overall, I recommend this album. It is a short listen at only 21 minutes. However, within that timeframe, PLOUGHSHARE skillfully blends black metal with electronic and doom metal to create a disturbing and bleak atmosphere. This album is not for the faint-hearted. Brace yourself for a sonic onslaught.