From Bandcamp, “Alienation Manifesto” was written by Ominous Droning in a poisonous fog from August to October anno MMXXII. Recorded over the next twelve lunar cycles at Buzz Dungeon in Alexandria, VA. Drums recorded December anno MMXXIII at Broswayze Sound in San Jose, CA, by J. Bursese. Cover art by Daniel Vega. The album has seven songs, and “Red Cathedral” is first. The sound is both chaotic and fast-paced, with high-pitched Black Metal screams, augmented with occasional gutturals. You can also hear some Progressive elements in the meter, mostly from the way the band twists the meter.

“The Raven and the Box of Stars” has a more harrowing sound at first, before its trail is aglow with fire. It burns through trees, grass, roads and anything else it is path. Although it is chaotic, it is also structured, and the band knows what note is coming up next. “Orb” is a transitory piece consisting mostly of frightening piano notes. “Wilczyca” has some odd connections within it’s seven-minute run time, showing that the band is not about following conventions. This is complicated music that takes some time for the listener to assimilate. “Nuclear Bomb” has a more matter-of-fact sound that toggles between burning torture and moments of chaos, almost like what one could imagine if a nuclear bomb went off.

“Lament” is another transitory song with a steady electronic hum. Tense tones build in the backgrounds and I find myself looking over my shoulder. The lengthy “Codex Crepusculum” closes the album and it never stand still, even for a moment. The amount of meter and key changers that song goes through is mind-boggling. Overall, the complexity of the album is deep, and some listeners might have a hard time with that. However, I found its secrets to be well-hidden, and appreciate the work that I had to do in order to unearth them. Like many I, Voidhanger releases, this is off the beaten path.