EP Review: Beneath The Sod – Beneath The Sod (Cursed Monk Records)

On December 17th, 2021 Cursed Monk Records we will be releasing Beneath the Sod’s new self-titled EP on CD and digital. This will be Beneath the Sod’s third release after their debut album Circling the Drain (Fort Evil Fruit, 2017), and their split with Crypticum, Transmorphic Eye (Cursed Monk Records, 2018).

Industrial doom that makes you feel dead inside. Silence of Lead is the first of six tracks built around discomfort. Eerie spoken word and rumbling industrial effects gives way to a methodical blast of dirty, raw doom noise.

Begotten of Grot is even more disconcerting as the medley of sounds seem almost nonsensical in design. However, there is order amongst the chaos. You just have to dig and dig to find it. If that track there hasn’t driven you to madness, Drooping Spirit and Expulsion of Revulsion will tip you over the edge. The former, 7+ minutes of atmospheric horror that has darkness bubbling deep in within. The latter, an apt title, as it spits venomous disgust into your ears whereupon it seeps slowly into the brain.

It’s so harsh to listen too but has a fascinating quality that keeps you listening on. The imagination is running wild and even though it often results in jarring tones, piercing effects and fuzzy doom, it is quite addictive. If you’ve made it as far as Rustling of the Spheres, you’re likely to be enjoying yourself. Which is funny really as this track is arguably the most unlistenable.

Although the finale of Deafness of Lead sure gives it a run for its money with (just under) 3-minutes of sickening guitar tones, methodical drums, black metal howls and horror-infused effects.

What the actual hell was this?

Beneath the Sod – Beneath the Sod Full Track Listing:

1. Silence of Lead
2. Begotten of Grot
3. Drooping Spirit
4. Expulsion of Revulsion
5. Rustling of the Spheres
6. Deafness of Lead

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Cursed Monk Records