This is the fifteenth album from French one-man black metal band Esoctrilihum.
One never knows what the artist behind the prolific Esoctrilihum is going to gift unto the unworthy world, which makes every release both a surprise and a treat. For Annochiül Xar Sorthïlazur, he has bequeathed us a lavish 69 minutes of symphonic avant-garde black/death metal. While that description may get stuck in the mouth, Annochiül Xar Sorthïlazur itself goes down remarkably smoothly for something so idiosyncratic and barbed. But then, Esoctrilihum always seems to deliver the goods.
This is highly individual, expressive music. It’s non-standard fare, taking from different blackened styles and eras to produce something compelling. Annochiül Xar Sorthïlazur drips with personality, so much so that while it’s undoubtedly an acquired taste for many, the avant-garde connoisseur will find much to become absorbed in here.
This is music that reeks of the late 90s, when the second wave blueprint was being stretched to breaking point by all manner of inspired artists. Annochiül Xar Sorthïlazur would have been right at home in this era. It embodies the creative flair and exploratory nature of the time, while also sitting comfortably in the current day, beholden to nothing but itself. Annochiül Xar Sorthïlazur is more than comfortable in its own multihued skin.
Annochiül Xar Sorthïlazur excels in elaborately crafted worldbuilding, evocative symphonic grandeur, and otherworldly atmosphere. Dancing between harsh brutality and spectral colour, this is a record with arthouse cinematic scope. Esoctrilihum’s ability to combine, as merely one example, searing blackened extremity with piercing operatic wailing, and have it not only work, but thrive, is a rare talent to have.
It’s easy to be complimentary about something that is not only good, but is also so wonderfully and completely itself. Annochiül Xar Sorthïlazur exists in a single-occupancy dimensional sphere of its own conjuring. As it deigns to visit our own limited universe, we can only see but facets of the whole. Yet, that is enough to be thoroughly wowed by its imposing, impossible presence.
The artist behind Esoctrilihum continues to impress. Annochiül Xar Sorthïlazur is a record for lovers of exploratory extremity. It offers up an exoteric, psychedelic, addictive journey; another quality, immersive world to dive deeply into for the intrepid listener.
Very highly recommended indeed.
