This is the second album from Mexican progressive metal solo act Phendrana.
Here we have a 38-minute album that takes a lot of different influences into itself. Blackgaze, post-metal, progressive rock, avant-garde metal, folk, and post-black metal all come together with nuance and grace inside a progressive extreme metal framework that’s highly compelling. The artist behind Phendrana has made a convincing case for Cathexis being a notable record.
There are four tracks on Cathexis. The first is an intro, (that would have been far better without the mood-ruining spoken word , that sadly also appears elsewhere, but not too often), then two that clock in at eight and nine minutes respectively, and finally the gargantuan last song that lasts over 18 minutes. The album has been crafted and led by one person, supported by a number of guests.
Cathexis steadfastly refuses to be just one thing, but does maintain a recognisable progressive framework within this. Parts of it fully embrace progressive rock delicacy, while others adopt a far more metallic approach. Blistering extreme metal aggression and light introspective worldbuilding exist comfortably alongside each other, overlapping and complementing. Avant-garde, orchestral, piano, saxophone, and acoustic elements flavour the record further, as do the sterling vocals of guest clean singer Ana Bitrán in particular.
The music is intricate and complex, with the songwriting focusing on atmospheric texture and depth. The album’s multitude of influences journey across several decades, starting in the 70s, resulting in a rich soup of musical elements that have been blended together with selective taste.
This is music to let settle into you over time, and absorb at your leisure. Phendrana’s music is designed for atmosphere and immersion, for listeners that are looking for substance and longevity, rather than instant-appeal gratification. In this, it appeals greatly.
Cathexis is a strong record from an artist with a well-developed vision for their art. Phendrana is a name you should definitely get acquainted with if you’re a fan of bands such as An Abstract Illusion, Agalloch, Dawnwalker, Ne Obliviscaris, Opeth, Wilderun, etc.
Wonderbox Metal 