DEMON HEAD practices what they call Diabolic Rock. There are definite Gothic elements which are not altogether Metal, and also elements of Prog or maybe just Avant-garde. The band clearly takes pride in their diverse artistry. They originated from Copenhagen but have since migrated to other locales including Ireland and Sweden. Over their 12-year tenure they have also migrated styles, refusing to be pigeon-holed by the expectations of others or, more importantly, self-imposed boundaries. Their insistence upon artistic freedom may frustrate some, but it is ultimately the standard under which they labor. And a good standard it is. Their fifth full-length studio album, “Through Holes Shine The Stars,” was released on September 20, and provides yet another inflection point in the band’s trajectory.   

The basics: Eight tracks across 46+ minutes. Guest musicians include guitarist Anders M. Jørgensen (SLAEGT) and Jim Slade on clarinet, bass clarinet, and saxophone. Lyrically the tracks are deeply melancholic (aka diabolic). This, when paired with the sonic dissonance of the music, positions the album like a house that is larger on the inside than it is on the outside, twisting at unexpected angles, plunging to impossible depths—a musical version of Danielewski’s novel, “House of Leaves.”

“Through Holes Shine The Stars” is a definite shift from their previous album, “Viscera,” which is much darker, more guitar-laden, and, consequently, heavier. All that is to say, don’t come to “Through Holes Shine The Stars” expecting the aggression of “Viscera.” As noted, DEMON HEAD likes to explore new space, and this album does just that.

Overall, there is an earnestness to this album that borders on ‘trying too hard.’ This may come from the shadow vocals as well as the wild but deep-chested style of Ferreira. I find myself circling back to diabolic rock. Also, the album title suggests Lovecraft, but album art suggests Hammer horror. All of these elements add up to a weird magnetism, a force that compels one to listen again and again.

I’m not going to do a list of standout tracks. I don’t think it’s that type of album—not that you need to listen the album in one fluid round, but each track is uniquely odd. A family of orphans, if you will. Not an album for extreme metal fans, but definitely for anyone into Goth or just plain open to other styles. Either way, there is something going on here. DEMON HEAD, “Through Holes Shine The Stars,” try it.