After a seven-year hiatus, INGURGITATING OBLIVION returns triumphantly with their latest album, “Ontology of Nought.” Following their highly praised 2013 release “Vision Wallows in Symphonies of Light,” this avant-garde tech death duo has elevated their craft to new heights, presenting an intricate and daring opus that defies conventional metal boundaries. Comprising just five tracks ranging from ten to eighteen minutes, this 70-minute behemoth invites listeners on a challenging yet rewarding journey through uncharted musical landscapes.
From the onset with “Uncreation’s whirring loom you ply with crippled fingers,” the duo – Norbert Müllerand Florian Engelke – sets a tone of suspense and chaos. The track begins with a haunting, quiet prelude before exploding into a cacophony of dissonant riffs and frenetic drums, courtesy of session drummer Lille Gruber. The unique structure, albeit loose and unpredictable, grips the listener with an enthralling mix of spoken French words and relentless aggression.
The album’s centerpiece, “To weave the tapestry of nought,” stands as its longest masterpiece at nearly nineteen minutes. Within this track, INGURGITATING OBLIVION masterfully weaves together an array of elements, from intense drumming to harsh vocals, creating a tapestry that is as chaotic as it is compelling. Known for their technical prowess and progressive compositions, Norbert Müller’s and Florian Engelke’stalents shine through, with each twist and turn keeping the listener constantly on edge.
A stark contrast but equally fascinating, “The blossoms of your tomorrow shall unfold in my heart” introduces jazzy undertones, underlining the band’s ability to amalgamate ardent death metal with other genres. The free-flowing jazz influence is subtle yet impactful, adding a layer of sophistication to the brutal madness that dominates the album. This versatility highlights the band’s refusal to conform, instead embracing a boundless approach to their music.
The penultimate track, “…Lest I should perish with travel, effete and weary, as my knees refuse to bear me thither,” showcases a slightly more structured composition. The harmonized vocals, imbued with heavy emotional content, provide a somber yet powerful interlude before descending back into the band’s signature chaos. The track’s introspective nature offers a moment of respite, presenting a meditative juxtaposition amidst the album’s relentless onslaught.
Finally, the album closes with “The barren earth oozes blood, and shakes and moans, to drink her children’s gore,” a track divided into three movements. Starting with delicate piano notes, the song quickly transitions into the ferocious and punishing soundscape that INGURGITATING OBLIVION is renowned for. The interplay between chaos and moments of calm throughout the track echoes the album’s broader themes of unpredictability and calculated spontaneity.
With “Ontology of Nought,” INGURGITATING OBLIVION has crafted an album that pushes the boundaries of avant-garde death metal. The contributions of various guest musicians, including Ava Bonam on vocals and Chris Zoukas on bass, enrich the sound and add layers of complexity. Céline Voccia’s piano work, Daniel Agi’s recorder and flutes, and Jan Ferdinand’s vibraphone and guitars further demonstrate the band’s commitment to creating a distinctive and multifaceted auditory experience.
My personal favorite tracks include “Uncreation’s whirring loom you ply with crippled fingers” and “The blossoms of your tomorrow shall unfold in my heart.” The former captivates with its suspenseful build and explosive energy, while the latter mesmerizes with its jazz-infused brilliance. Together, these tracks epitomize the diversity and innovation that INGURGITATING OBLIVION brings to the table.
Luz’ Rating: 8.5/10
Pre-order:
https://ingurgitatingoblivion1.bandcamp.com/album/ontology-of-nought
https://www.willowtip.com/bands/details/ingurgitating-oblivion.aspx
“Ontology of Naught” Track-listing:
- Uncreation’s whirring loom you ply with crippled fingers
- To weave the tapestry of nought
- The blossoms of your tomorrow shall unfold in my heart
- Lest I should perish with travel, effete and weary, as my knees refuse to bear me thither
- The barren earth oozes blood, and shakes and moans, to drink her children’s gore – part I
- The barren earth oozes blood, and shakes and moans, to drink her children’s gore – part II
- The barren earth oozes blood, and shakes and moans, to drink her children’s gore – part III
Ingurgitating Oblivion Lineup:
Lille Gruber – Drums
Ava Bonam – Vocals
Chris Zoukas – Bass
Céline Voccia – Piano
Daniel Agi – Recorder, Flutes
Jan Ferdinand – Vibraphone, Guitars
Tom Fountainhead Geldschläger – Guitar Solos
Line-up:
Norbert Müller – rhythm and lead guitars, sound engineering, mastering, all recording logistics
Florian Engelke – lead composition, rhythm and lead guitars, vocals, Tibetan singing bowls
https://www.ingurgitatingoblivion.com/
https://www.willowtip.com
