This is the second album from Canadian post-black metal band Hell Is Other People.
Moirae contains 44 minutes of music that combines elements of depressive, atmospheric, and post-black metal, (with a touch of doom), into a cohesive whole. Hell Is Other People, (who contain a member of Æpoch), are recommended by the promo blurb for fans of Agalloch, Altar of Plagues, Winterfylleth, White Ward, and Drudkh, so that should give you a decent starting point for their sound.
Moirae is armed with an expressive emotive darkness that the band use to build affecting soundscapes of vast blackened depth. Hell Is Other People have a rich sound, with well-balanced blackened distortion and poignant melody making for an atmospheric experience that’s well-formed. The vocals are savage screams and grim roars that give the frequently luscious blackened landscape a harsh bite.
Hell Is Other People are an atmosphere-first band, yet aren’t without instant appeal either. The songs are layered in melodic melancholy and driven by impassioned mood-based worldbuilding. The aggressive aspects exist to reinforce the immersive whole, allowing for a textured approach to songwriting that’s quite effective.
Moirae is a strong, well-crafted record. Hell Is Other People have a talent for producing absorbing dark soundscapes that the listener can explore. It’s a style that embraces you early, but is best experienced at length over time. The songs are pitched at the right level across the various blackened influences, taking enough from each to piece together a charismatic and effective sound that reflects Hell Is Other People in a compelling light.
Fans of melody and emotion-rich atmospheric post-black metal should absolutely be checking this out. If you like the bands mentioned above, as well as others like Wolves in the Throne Room, Fen, Celeste, Forgotten Tomb, Cistvaen, and Hope Drone, then don’t miss Moirae.
Wonderbox Metal 