I shall start by quoting the Grimorte Bandcamp page when giving context to this debut EP. “‘Esoteric Ascendance’ is the debut four track E.P narrative of a woman’s journey into being lulled into the esoteric pagan and Satanist practices of the golden dawn and her journey from innocence to possession, only then to find a reawakening into her self believed new demonic form.” An interesting concept and one that also focuses heavily on the life of Aleister Crowley, from this UK based duo whose debut album was self-released on CD back in 2020, and to date they are yet to furnish us with more from their Atmospheric Black/Doom side project. I for one would like to hear a follow up release from Grimorte, as the deliberate pacing and controlled cacophony of the aptly named opening track, ‘The procession’, with its deeply brooding quality and moodily atmospheric aura appeal to me right from the off. As do the crushing vocals during ‘Sequestrate’ that mesh well with slow, precise drum tones and slow, crushing riffs that then open up into a flowing, catchy form of musical darkness. The lyrics laid out for this track are pretty simple in their construction but fit the crawling, ominous sound rather well. Equally as powerful is the defined melodic beauty of ‘Esoteric Ascendance’ as it clashes vehemently with the roaring fury of the songs more hostile sound. Like all great bands though, Grimorte save the very best until last, and the haunting chants and groove drenched bleak harmonies of ‘Firvir’ leave a poignant and lasting impression, as in truth does the whole release!
Grimorte – Esoteric Ascendance [EP]
Random Review
Funeral Winds – Gruzelementen
review | September 21, 2022