Album Review: 3xperimental – Symphony of Elements (Self Released)

3xperimental is an atmospheric black metal project by JB Vincent and guests. The name reflects the musical style: although their music is primarily atmospheric black metal, they incorporate elements and sounds from many other genres, as needed to tell the story they envision.

Each album is built around a different concept. Their first demo, published in 2019, dealt with virtual realities and escapism. Their upcoming release: “Symphony of Elements”, is an ode to the forces of Nature, against human arrogance. Each song/element represents the ending of a world, and perhaps the beginning of something new.

It will be released on the 20th of June 2020.

Promising something pretty unforgettable, 3xperimental certainly push hard to make sure those who experience Symphony of Elements will remember it. Beginning with a strong effort in the form of the intro Essentia Existentiae and following Earth, which drips in epic bleakness. Grand and imaginative, it’s a hell of a showcase of what 3xperimental are capable of. So many different threads, so many interesting elements to grasp.

Synth, keyboards, traditional riffing, heavy drumming and guttural demonic vocals…there’s a hell of a lot going on. It’s no surprise than that the following tracks, Water and Wind build on that with wondrous atmospheres and cutting brutality. The latter is up there as the album’s best track as 3xperimental’s imagination runs wild. The hopeful tone is surprisingly pretty and even more surprisingly uplifting.

Whereas the synth goodness of Fire carries a lot of warning and a lot of threat yet is still such a wonderful listen.

Changing tact somewhat, At the End of the World is a more mellow and dark penultimate offering partially. Soft keys and female vocals marking it out as something quite different yet fitting for this album. Although the latter part of the track does erupt into gothic heaviness. Before Visions closes things out with one final grand stance.

3xperimental – Symphony of Elements Full track Listing:

1. Essentia Existentiae
2. Earth
3. Water
4. Wind
5. Fire
6. At the End of the World
7. Visions

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | YouTube