Ahasver – Causa Sui (Review)

This is the debut album from French progressive metal band Ahasver.

Ahasver is made up of members of bands such as Eryn Non Dae, Drawers, and Gorod, among others. Causa Sui contains 42 minutes of music that’s a good deal more individual than most you might encounter.

The music of Ahasver is a hybrid style that takes elements of a few different styles, including technical, groove, extreme, sludge, and post-metal, into its progressive makeup. The band’s layered approach to songwriting is enjoyable and engaging. Despite being their debut album, Ahasver appear to have found their voice already, and what a multifaceted and rich one it is too.

The songs are heavy, yet textured. They have multiple moving parts, meaning that they sometimes show a complexity that can be almost hidden; the band make this look easy, but under the hood there is sometimes a lot going on.

For a simplistic overview of Ahasver’s sound, first think of a many-sided sludge metal approach to extremity, sort of like a cross between Neurosis, Mastodon, Dvne, and Isis. Then, throw in the occasional bout of technicality and/or extremity that wouldn’t be out of place on an album by The Dillinger Escape Plan or Gojira, and a rhythmic quality that recalls a mix of Converge, Godflesh, The Ocean, and Keelhaul. The music also boasts a sense of songwriting catchiness that’s unusual for such a band that leans towards the more extreme side of the heavy music spectrum; Ahasver know how to write a good tune it seems. Add to this bucketfuls of mood and atmosphere, and you have an atypical mix of styles and sounds that all add up to a very compelling collection of tracks.

My only criticism is the extended sample/feedback section at the end of the final song, which is just unnecessary.

Ranging from brutal crushing heaviness to soaring beauty, Causa Sui has a lot to offer fans of heavy music. Ahasver have impressed with their remarkable debut album.

Very highly recommended.