In a just world, Faithxtractor would be way bigger than they are now. The band's driving force, Ash Thomas, is a singular extreme metal talent and has gone underacknowledged for far too long. Although there are some fans that remember The Great Shadow Infiltrator and other releases, there still isn't the level of recognition befitting a name like this.
Ash and his various collaborators over the years have proven themselves at blending various styles of extremity together and creating a compelling combination. There's something for everyone of good taste on Noose of Being, whether you're more inclined to death metal, black metal, and even a dash of doom here and there. One way or another, you're in for an absolutely crushing sonic experience.
Two names do jump out at me while listening to this album, that of Akercocke and Anaal Nathrakh, both of which are known for channeling overwhelming aggression through their concoctions of all things extreme. However, Faithxtractor's sound is propelled through its own vector. Whereas Akercocke's music is steeped in gothic atmosphere and Anaal Nathrakh has always cut with an industrial edge, Faithxtractor recalls the tradition of late-90s death metal in the style of Nile, Hate Eternal, and Formulas-era Morbid Angel.
The opener, "Noose of Being," recalls the sound of many Dark Descent bands while also summoning the vibe of death-doom and perhaps a bit of Bolt Thrower. Songs like "Ethos Moribund" and "Flooded Tombs" will leave you battered and disoriented, whereas black metal fans will find a lot to enjoy on "Fever Dream Litanies." I also think the track "Beholden to Nightmare" is one of the most perfectly named tracks ever. Fans of Suffocation's later work and the last few Behemoth albums should definitely check this one out.
But the aggression here isn't a display of force for its own sake. According to Ash, the album is informed by "malice riddled grief." I think we've all been there. He goes on to explain: "From the music to the lyrics it’s a maelstrom of rage and melancholy exploring the many facets of this waking depression called life."
There's a trail of melancholy and even determination that runs through the album's eight tracks, particularly on "Cerecloth Vision Veil" and the bridge section to "The Loathing." It's all the more notable as "The Loathing" is otherwise fantastically brutal. Additionally, check out the spooky buildup to "Caveats." Let the track pull you into its dark atmosphere and see where it takes you.
In fact, just let the album do that in general, and let it stay with you long after.
