The German/American collective known as Downfall of Gaia are back with their latest concoction of atmospheric, crusty black metal for Metal Blade Records, titled Ethic of Radical Finitude. At barely 40 minutes in length, this one is relatively short, but still packs a punch, the hellish rasps & screams stabbing through walls of blast beats, raging tremolo picked riffs, and gobs of synths for a chaotic, frightening aural experience. "The Grotesque Illusion of Being" is downright chilling, shrieking vocals combating dense arrangements, but somehow it's all somewhat melodic, while the lengthy "We Pursue the Serpent of Time" offers tribal percussion that eventually gives way to furious blasts and layer upon layer of guitar & synth, vocalist Dominik Goncalves dos Reis spewing a non-stop barrage of hatred and vitriol. Though there are some moments of tranquil, almost prog-rock styled bits, like on "Guided Through a Starless Night" (almost Opeth-like), for the most part there's a ton of bashing and slashing here, the pummeling effect sure to wear down those who like more subtle fare, but I like the fact that the band did their best to inject plenty of melody within this very extreme metal framework. A good example of their occasional gentle touch can be heard on closer "On Withering Violet Leaves", a great mix of melodic, folky prog and violent black metal.
Ethic of Radical Finitude has plenty to offer, though it won't be for everyone. If you like your black metal littered with a healthy dose of prog, folk, and ambient textures, definitely check this one out.
Track Listing
1) Seduced By 2:43
2) The Grotesque Illusion of Being 5:53
3) We Pursue the Serpent of Time 9:38
4) Guided Through a Starless Night 9:29
5) As Our Bones Break to the Dance 4:54
6) Of Withering Violet Leaves 7:30
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