Metalcatto
There are times when bands answer questions nobody asked. Not because we hated the answer, but because we dreaded what could come next. That’s the case with Abhorrent Expanse’s Enter The Misanthropocene (basically any time before modern medicine, I guess). The album is a strange mix of Drone, Avant-Garde Metal, and Jazz. Yes, you heard that right — all these styles are mixed together to create the most bizarre experience I’ve had in a while. Or at least, that’s what I hoped for. But what did I get in the end? Stay tuned!
If Imperial Triumphant and Sunn O))) had a child, it’d probably sound something like Enter, because it has that chaotic, acid-like writing — but it’s all played with the patience and contemplation of a Drone band with no rush. The production allows lots of air to breathe in what would otherwise be an oppressive and inaccessible listen. But don’t get me wrong, this is still a tall order for anyone not used to the weirdness out there. Saying Enter is like watching 2001: A Space Odyssey on lots of barbiturates is an understatement. Luckily, the album gives you enough time to contemplate your existence.
There’s no denying the band has the chops to play complicated music, and in a way, it does. It’s just the way the album plays with time that creates a swampy, almost confusing experience with real dynamic range. It’s rare to find a wacky Avant-Garde band feeling comfortable with silence, but when Enter gets heavy, it touches that Disso-Death territory so many of us are infatuated with. Strangely, the drumming is the protagonist of many of the wildest moments on Enter. But now, it’s time for me to talk about the hiccups.
How can I say this in a complicated way? Well, I can’t! The album just has too little going on at times. There’s not enough action to keep me engaged. It’s not boring, since the ideas are interesting and challenging, but I would’ve loved more of the energy the album starts with. The pace changes so abruptly that I struggle more than when my little nephew asks how babies are made. It’s that Drone part that doesn’t fully click with me, though it probably will with those who seek challenging music that somehow doesn’t increase their anxiety.
So, if you ever wanted to experience violent meditation — which sounds like almost a schizophrenic experience — Abhorrent Expanse can offer calm to that itch you didn’t know you had. It really pushes the limits of what I’d call Metal music, and that deserves recognition, even if I’m not totally on board with all the madness going on. Time to enjoy your split-personality music.
Label: Amalgam
Release date: August 15, 2025
Website: https://abhorrentexpanse.bandcamp.com/album/enter-the-misanthropocene
Country: USA
Score: 2.5/5.0
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