Metalcatto
It can become difficult with the labels in metal sometimes. Some people abuse them, some don’t believe in them. Then you have bands like Witherer that defy our understanding of them. A Shadow Without a Horizon (uplifting title, really) is supposed to be a Disso-Death/Black/Funeral Doom act. Those three words together almost contradict each other. So, you can imagine that so much risk could end up in disaster or absolute success—but let’s relax, it’s a debut after all.
I hope you’re having a great and sunny day, because Horizon is about to smash that awesome mood into oblivion with some of the most indigestible music we’ve heard this year. Sure, it’s not Ingurgitating Oblivion, but only because it borrows a lot from Bell Witch and Esoteric. That slow and harrowing atmosphere is all here, but with the unbearable ugliness of bands like Spectral Voice. So, from the start, you know this isn’t for everyone. In fact, it’s only for a few.
No particular instrumental elements captured me in Horizon, but this isn’t a criticism because the music here is abstract and oppressive to the point that it all becomes a dive into the black sea. It’s revolting and hypnotizing at the same time. Besides, those vocals just sound as if someone is being branded with hot iron. There’s an interlude track in the middle—it’s just a respite so you don’t die crushed between the vast lengths of the main ones. It’s Doom, but it’s not even that slow; Horizon just puts you in a state of constant anguish.
You can already imagine the kind of criticism I might have here. It’s just too impenetrable and long at times. This style of Metal is fresh and innovative, without a doubt. Its ambition is hard to match, but jeez, I need the patience of the gods not to quit during the most depressing moments. It awakened my curiosity because it was hard to believe something could make you feel this hopeless. Now, you’ve been warned: this mammoth will tackle you hard.
This is an impressive debut in terms of ambition and scope—there’s no doubt about that. Witherer can become a band we all ought to respect, despite how little mercy they show to listeners. Time will tell which direction they take, but for now, this is a debut that, despite its excesses, remains a monster to fight with. Just remember that it’ll probably devour you in no time. Oh boy, I need my mental health walk after this one. See you at the madhouse!
Label: Hypaethral Records
Release date: July 20, 2025
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570087235639
Country: Canada
Score: 3.5/5.0!
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