ESOTERIC – Subconscious Dissolution Into The Continuum

Esoteric are one of the authentic heroes of the disarraying and discomforting slow sounds. Mr. Greg Chandler's band rightfully earned a spot in that circle of acts that we might define as godlike. A deadly and sepulchral doom world is where it has grown up, releasing a series of precious albums, including "Subconscious Dissolution Into The Continuum" featured here.

This album was first released in 2004 through Season Of Mist, and followed on the steps of their previous work "Metamorphogenesis" (1999), from which it differed especially in the work on production, that became more traditional and solid in the newer record.

I will show my hand at once: I know I am not unbiased about them, and I believe that every single Esoteric album is a must have. However, here I am reviewing the (double) vinyl version released by Aesthetic Death and, although I might concede that this is arguably the only minor chapter in an excellent discography, I can't but say that I have enjoyed it in this new format. As soon as the music starts, we set on a neverending descent into the abyss, and it almost feels as if the grooves on the vinyl are being instantly carved by the solemn riffing, always accompanied by Chandler's tragic and enthralling growl.

"Subconscious Dissolution Into The Continuum" is a clear representation of what Esoteric were, are, and presumably will be: the melodies on this record are annihilating, and the rhythms are cyclical and insisting, carefully aimed at hypnotyzing the listener. The three "pillars" of the tracklist ("Morphia", "The Blood Of The Eyes" and "Green Day") succeed at making the surrounding environment morbid and alienating; the instrumental "Arcane Dissolution" just strikes the final blow, with its disturbed drone trails.

This is an album that long-time fans of this genre will already know, and it is quite likely that most of them have already had chance to enjoy this specific vinyl release; after all, these English guys know what they're doing. Nevertheless, if anyone had missed on this interesting project by Aesthetic Death, they should try and get in touch with it, some copies might still be in stock. You can never know.