Band:	VoidCeremony
Album:	Threads Of Unknowing
Style:	Blackened death metal, Progressive death metal
Release date:	April 2023

01. Threads Of Unknowing (The Paradigm Of Linearity)
02. Writhing In The Facade Of Time
03. Abyssic Knowledge Bequeathed
04. Entropic Reflections Continuum
05. At The Periphery Of Human Realms (The Immaterial Grave)
06. Forlorn Portrait: Ruins Of An Ageless Slumber

A vast, purple landscape, gnarled trees, … these cover art elements usually indicate that eerie black metal awaits. Instead, within the first few seconds, VoidCeremony make blatantly apparent that they're here to serve you a slimey stew of exquisite, progressive death metal.

Threads Of Unknowing is the second full-length release of US quartet VoidCeremony. The Metal Storm review of their debut album applauded the band's performance, especially the playing of bassist Damon Good. I'm happy to say VoidCeremony have further honed their skills, providing an enjoyable, highly technical onslaught of impressively performed music once more. Upon first listen, the complex compositions can be quite overwhelming — at least, that was my experience. But, as the songs progressed, I tried to focus intently on the individual instruments. Let's break it down together, shall we?

The guitarists (one of which is the Canadian virtuoso Philippe Tougas of countless bands like Chthe'ilist, First Fragment, and Atramentus) are clearly highly talented, and their performance reflects this. Every song displays mastery of both technical melodies and chugging, doom-drenched riffs. The occasional solos thrown in give off a jazzy, experimental flair. The bass-work of Damon Good is once again fantastic, providing an eerie (and aurally soothing) foundation to support the intricate guitar melodies. The drummer is no slacker, either, keeping the band together as they play at a rapid-fire pace. Finally, the growling vocals are rather standard but admittedly get the job done, adding an unnerving, sickly layer to the oppressive instrumentation.

The death metal machine takes a break a few times, evidenced in the hypnotic synth playing at the end of track 2 and the tranquil ambience throughout track 5. However, most songs are filled to the brim with savage aggression and flourishing melodies. A very impressive showcase of musical talent, but it takes many listens to digest all the instrumental layers and fully appreciate the rampage. As is often my pet peeve with progressive metal, it is difficult to foresee where the songs are going. On the one hand, this unpredictability is laudable, keeping the listener on their toes and continuously engaged. On the other hand, the flood of riff after riff might seem to some listeners like aimless noodling. Other than the abstract theme of journeys across the spacetime continuum, the album lacks a clear direction. And, despite the seemingly inexhaustible supply of riffs, there are barely any (if at all) recurring melodies or catchy tunes that stick in your mind.

Yet, the technical wizardry of the whole band is so awe-inspiring that these songwriting criteria become almost obsolete. Yes, it's that good. In conclusion, I highly recommend this album, but warn you to not expect catchy grooviness à la old-school death metal. Threads Of Unknowing is progressive death metal meant for those listeners that wish to be beaten senseless by an avalanche of metal, before being swept away by a storm of glorious technicality.