Howls of Ebb – Cursus Impasse: The Pandlomic Vows (2016)

Spewing more of their sickening Black/Death Metal, today we have Howls of Ebb and their sophomore release “Cursus Impasse: The Pandlomic Vows”. Written between 2013 and 2015, this release moves away from the longer (10+ minute) track from their previous EP and delivers their musical fury in shorter but equally sweet onslaughts. Filled with creepiness and a retro-vibe, this album shows the band’s knack for making truly punishing music.

Opening with the psycho-sexual hypnotic bass guitar line of “The 6th Octopul'th Grin”, the band’s depraved sound is instantly gratifying. Things take a turn to the even more bizarre with the funkiness of “Cabals of Molder” and its very horror-like atmospherics. Continuing down the rabbit hole, “Maat Mons’ Fume” has more of that raw energy of Indonesian Black/Death Metal bands mixed in with some truly disturbing bass guitar sounds.

Perfectly building momentum and featuring some haunting vocal arrangements, “7 Ascetic Cinders, 8 Dowries of gA'nOm” is another piece that will get engrained in your subconscious. Nicely changing the pace, “Subliminal Lock” delivers more hecting drumming and thick growls that will creep you out when played with the lights off.

Closing with the chaotic and slow-progressing “The Apocryphalic Wick”, the band leaves us on a high note of bizarre awe. Being one the weirdest and most sick sounding bands, Howls of Ebb is delivers a unique experience with this 42-minute long release. If you liked any of their previous music, or retro sounding Black/Death Metal bands with Indonesian influences, this is one hell of a release you don’t want to miss.

Label: I, Voidhanger Records

Release: April 15th, 2016

Genre: Black/Death Metal

Country: USA