Asenath Blake – Low Materialism

Metalcatto

This Halloween showed no mercy! I’m still catching up with it. However, I’d like to continue the tradition of giving projects that send me a FLAC or physical copy of their work an extra chance. Asenath Blake’s Low Materialism has an intriguing proposal, combining the myth of witches with the myth of French postmodernism. Yes, I’m a cat scientist, so you know I’ll jab at those ideas a bit. But we’re not here for intellectual posturing; we’re here to find out if this Post/Black album has something fresh to offer.

Low Materialism did something to me that’s rare these days — it made me uncomfortable. Not necessarily scared, but harrowed in that eerie, spiritual way that makes you think of the mysterious woman in the woods calling your name from afar. You want to approach her, but every instinct in your body screams to stay away. The album’s direct and compact structure limits technical complexity, but conceptually, not many bands reach the symbolic depths Asenath is willing to explore. There’s a real commitment to the craft here, and it shows.

Now, when it comes to sound, I’d describe Low Materialism as a combination of Thy Catafalque’s melodic sensibility and the raw aggression of Witch Club Satan. I’ve been following Asenath’s work since Voorish Songs, and there’s a clear evolution toward a more Post-Metal direction that separates her from similar acts. If anything, it leans toward industrial in its production — abrasive, mechanical, and far less ornamental than something like Hulder. It’s gritty and modern, yet somehow still rooted in folklore. That said, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit there were moments when I thought, “Alright, maybe that’s enough French vibes for today.”

The element I struggled with the most here were those damn vocals! Don’t get me wrong — they fit the atmosphere perfectly, conjuring that forest-dwelling witch energy that’s both sinister and seductive. But I would’ve loved a contrasting voice at some point — maybe some growls or clean passages — something to break the spell and throw me off balance again. Then there are the drums: distinct and unpredictable, but also carrying that lo-fi charm that some listeners will instantly reject. Still, how hasn’t a label like Antiq or AOP Records signed this project yet? It’s completely within their wheelhouse!

I was genuinely surprised by this album. It does things I don’t always agree with, but that’s part of its strength. Asenath Blake is without a doubt a promising artist within our community who deserves far more recognition than she currently gets. So, consider this my small contribution to that cause. Now, how am I supposed to convince the socials not to cancel me when I post that cover art later? Wish me luck — I’ll probably need it.

Label: Independent

Release date: October 31, 2025

Website: https://asenathblake.bandcamp.com/album/low-materialism

Country: Wales

Score: 3.7/5.0