In a distance for beyond immediate measure beyond the scope of Hercules and Scorpius lies a star system and nebula Ophiuchi; closer in scope exists the entity and one man act bearing the same title: OPHIUCHI. Originally from South Africa the project is now in its 5^th year having just released its second album, Shibboleth.

The four piece album begins with the track, "Mercurial," the shortest of all the tracks but that which is best served in introduction to the caliber of music present on the LP; the song bounces in and out of differential movements pulsing between loud and quiet, slow and fast, and diminished and intense-the overall theme of the piece is that of brooding and darker imagery. The title track, "Shibboleth," comes next beginning with distant and wet strings that echo throughout the entirety of the track, albeit in different forms and fashions; the track itself is that of dread and dreary cultivating a sound not too dissimilar in function from the more prestigious aspects of THROBBING GRISTLE.

In essence as well, in delivery, the music exists as a function of the author's intent to startle, awe, and inspire and through the tempest of Shibboleth he's achieved such without question. In objective perspective the instruments meld with one another in a solid manner forming a fortitude unmatched in stature by common soundscapes, that which is as eldritch as it is staunch. The guitars vary between slight and intense in sound and performance, as the cleaner elements seem to fade into the distance whilst the rhythm and distorted sections completely take over the song. The bass is near that in description of a third guitar having just as much distortion and grit to it as the rhythm and leads-it sits in a comfortable position amongst the din of distortion and manages to give an even greater substance to the strings. The percussion is expertly mixed and mastered as well so well composed that the transitions feel intrinsic rather than contrived, the emphasis of kick is well used in regards to the overall tonality of the album. Lastly, the vocals are those of a mystery as the implementation ranges between chorused harmonies, guttural roars, and distant wails. The focus of Greek mythology and Gnostic exile makes for an interesting and unique conceptualization, as a side note it would have been beyond sublime to have seen one verse in dactylic hexameter just as Homer had composed millennia ago.

The astounding venture of sound and mythology has been realized succinctly within Shibboleth and is itself an interesting approach to Black Metal and its derivatives, as voiced by OPHIUCHI. For anyone with an interest towards esoteric and driving musical stylings, this album would find itself a welcome addition to your library.