![prezir / beastlurker – faustian hallucinations [split]](https://www.vm-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Prezir-Beastlurker-Faustian-Hallucinations-Split-Cover.jpg "Prezir / Beastlurker – Faustian Hallucinations [Split]")
Info
- Band(s): Beastlurker, Prezir
- Label(s): Chaos Records
- Release Format(s): CD, Split
- Release Year: 2022
- Review Date: December 21, 2022
- Author(s): Xenomorph
Prezir and Beastlurkers split record ‘Faustian Hallucinations released’ in October of 2022, is an opulent offering of Blackened Thrash & Death metal. A followup release to Prezir’s notable 2020 full length ‘Depradation’ and Beastlurkers 2021 ‘Celestial Henchwhores Aflame’, the split showcases dark and fertile creative approaches from both entities. Clearly relishing in the dearth of boundaries present in this beloved genre, the artists here expand effortlessly into truly limitless space through their instruments and storytelling.
Prezir’s side takes a steadier thematic approach in the vein of Watain or Satyricon, a much different sound from their melodic full length. The songs on this release feel more focused and composed than their former, to great effect. Still there are breathtaking solos and relentless primitive drums, but all feeling more balanced with the structure of the song. Vocals have only improved in their steadiness and density, filling all remaining sound ranges not already occupied. Influences as far reaching as death metal giants Morbid Angel and Belphegor continue to be heard in this work.
The Beastlurker contribution takes a much darker and doomy turn. Immediately booming vocals backed by utterly cavernous riffs and depressive trem picking send a shiver up the spine. Beautifully contrasted against the uplifting prior tracks, this band does an excellent job showing the other side of black metal, the emotional experience of evil and inner darkness. Blast beats carrying the fiendish melodies and sometimes even introspective chord picking, rounded out to perfection with choral elements inspire a spiritual reflection that nears total meditation.
The ‘Faustian Hallucinations’ split masterfully demonstrates what a split between different artists can accomplish, an exploration of contrasting elements of the same genre, yet tied together under the same themes and creative execution.
Beastlurker
- Country: USA
- Style: Black Metal, Death Metal
- Links: Facebook, Bandcamp
