Swiss avant-garde post-metal band Schammasch has great endeavors in my mind and the new EP “The Maldoror Chants: Hermaphrodite” is the first in line of a bigger opus based on the 19th century dark literary work and foundation of the surrealist movement “Les Chants De Maldoror”.
“Prologue” introduces the listeners to an obscure realm and enigmatic spoken words feel like an endless archaic spell through super thick darkened atmospheric layers.
“The Weighty Burden Of An Eternal Secret” feels insanely heavy with a true avant-garde approach and slow hazy soundscapes while mysterious shoegaze style guitar melodies emerge from darker depths to linger through blurry atmospheric layers.
“May His Illusion Last Until Dawn’s Awakening” feels majestic with solemn theatrical vocals and atmospheres but will immediately stand out for the graceful dark guitar melodies that channel intoxicating poetry and otherworldly gothic melancholy.
“Chimerical Hope” combines the primal fury of traditional black metal and the introspective quality of shoegaze melodies as monolithic drums and relentless guitar riffs channel feeling of desolation and anguish.
Besides the enthralling literary themes and the artistic experimental approach chosen by Schammasch, “The Maldoror Chants: Hermaphrodite” is a unique confident work of music infused with an immense darkness and decadence that we all must embrace.