Ataraxy

Ataraxy

The Last Mirror

Dark Descent

Spain’s ATARAXY is perhaps one of the best kept secrets of Death Metal. Between their absolutely magnificent albums and a couple equally worthy EP’s, there is a small yet loyal following of this band who cannot be shaken. Festering in the Lovecraftian pits of doom-tinged Death Metal played with unforgettable atmospherics and high-quality songwriting (with phenomenal art and production never forgotten) there is no mistaking them. Their new offering opens with a glistening introduction of charnel hypnosis before descending into the depths once more. Once more it will be an instantaneously submerging experience for all whom dare tread their sepulchral pathway into abhorrence due to the expansive instrumental assaults that grip you with their many-tendril led approach. From discomforting vocals and eerie leads to the monstrous guitar riffs and contorted bass backed up by some truly hard-hitting drum work, everything works in unison yet slightly out of sync to bring you further into the nightmare of “The Last Mirror”. This new opus, much like its predecessors, works best when listened to intently as a truly engrossing tale of dread and darkness, though individual songs still stand out on their own merits. Aside from the introduction, the band leads with the longest, most drudging track which will be an effective way at shunning away casual listeners, discouraging their unworthy ears from this ghoulish sonic entity that will only be truly appreciated by those with a keen and patient ear. Those special few will be entranced and rewarded by an album that...

Ataraxy

Where All Hope Fades

Dark Descent

With a certain maturity and poise, a sense of deep-set misery almost pushes the record into death-doom territory. Almost...but not quite. The sound remains tensely energetic, albeit with a sense of space, time and songcraft which is more impressive than ever. Gruesomely textured wraith-like melodies intertwine monstrously hammering double-bass rhythms, the delicate interplay of guitar harmonies threading a perfect line between devious subtlety and straight-ahead bludgeon. Perhaps above all else, the gasping tortured vocals imbue a horrific terror upon the listener. It is the sum of all parts which so masterfully elevate Ataraxy above their peers. Few others have scaled such heights; in this timeless classic we witness a band enter the pantheon of death metal royalty.