Exitium Sui
Welcome to BlackenedSoundscape, your ultimate destination for exploring the depths of dark, atmospheric metal. Come join our latest review of "Endless/Regression" by Exitium Sui, an album that masterfully blends funeral doom and black metal to create an immersive and melancholic auditory experience. This project by Chris Gebauer, known for his work with Deadspace, envelops listeners in a dense, haunting soundscape filled with heavy riffs and ethereal melodies.
Firstly, I must say that this this review has come a bit late in regards to the release date of the album (DEC 22 2023) but none the less, I was lucky it was to stumble upon "Endless/Regression" by Exitium Sui. I was letting YouTube play on shuffle, and by some miracle, this album came on. Discovering music like this is a rare gem, the kind you constantly seek, wondering when you'll find that next transformative band. Words can't fully capture how incredible this album is… But I will try my best.
Many black metal albums can sound quite similar, but that's not the case with this one. From start to finish, this album takes you on an emotional and wondrous journey. Exitium Sui incorporates a variety of musical instruments, adding a diversity that's rare among bands today. The atmosphere across most tracks feels ethereal, transporting you to a completely different place.
One aspect I particularly appreciate is the use of musical breaks. These pauses allow other instruments to shine, such as pianos, choir-style vocals, synths, and drums, showcasing the songs in their truest form. This approach leaves room for musical exploration. For example, in "Despondent" at the 2-minute mark, the main song recedes, letting harmonies build up with synths in a warm and comforting way. The drums provide a slow but strong backbone, and when the vocals return, the violin-styled synths create an epic yet sorrowful feeling. These moments highlight Exitium Sui's brilliance.
The use of guest vocalists, such as Riccardo Furlan on "Abysmal" and Nick Magur on "Escape," adds depth to the already rich compositions. Many tracks start with a sorrowful piano segment that transitions into the song, layered with drums, synths, and violins, evoking feelings of sadness, wonder, awe, and longing. It's rare to find bands that can evoke such emotions in an album. "Endless/Regression" is one of those albums you can appreciate no matter your mood. You can delve into the musicianship and the intricate layers of sound, but it also works perfectly as background music for a gathering with friends, fitting even a Dungeons & Dragons session. The album feels like an epic dream or adventure, shifting from sadness and longing to uplifting and motivating.
The vocal style remains consistent throughout the album, which is entirely fitting. Chris Gebauer has perfected his sound from start to finish, with classic deep doom vocals that complement the atmospheric parts, adding depth to each song. The deep, resonant vocals enhance the atmospheric qualities of doom metal, blending seamlessly with the heavy, slow-paced instrumentation.
Check the latest album here.
To conclude this review I'm giving "Endless/Regression" by Exitium Sui a very solid 9/10 rating due to its masterful blend of funeral doom and black metal, creating an immersive and melancholic experience that stands out in the genre. The album's ability to transport listeners through its ethereal soundscapes and deeply resonant vocals is impressive. Chris Gebauer has perfected his craft, and the incorporation of various instruments and guest vocalists, such as Riccardo Furlan and Nick Magur, adds a rich complexity to the compositions.
However, the album does fall slightly short due to some production issues, where the mix sometimes allows certain elements, like the keyboards, to overpower others. This results in a slight imbalance that affects the overall impact of the music. Despite these minor flaws, "Endless/Regression" remains a standout release and is likely to be the best album in its genre this year. The depth, emotional resonance, and sheer artistry displayed throughout make it a must-listen for fans of atmospheric metal.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. I can't stress enough how much I loved listening to this album. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more music from Chris Gebauer and will be sure to add it to both my playlist and my shelf.
9-10: Exceptional
7-8: Good, Great
5-6: Average, Decent
3-4: Fair, Mediocre
1-2: Poor, Subpar