Album Review: Subterraen – In the Aftermath of Blight (Frozen Records)

Formed in 2017, Subterraen released their debut album, ‘Rotten Human Kingdom’, via Transcending Obscurity Records in 2020. This massive and oppressive debut album depicts the state of the modern world through themes such as the defense of animal rights, the destruction of natural resources, or the endless race for profit.

Following the arrival of KKP (Huata, Hangman’s Chair) on guitar, MLV (Remote, Forge) on drums and BMR (Fange, Huata) on bass, Subterraen moved towards more complex, melodic arrangements, while retaining the sonic ferocity of their debut and continuing their exploration of the human condition. Subterraen then finalized their second album, ‘In the Aftermath of Blight’. This atmospheric post-sludge record, inspired by the likes of Pallbearer, Yob and Neurosis, is set for an April 12th 2024 release via Frozen Records.

I was very impressed with Subterraen’s 2020 debut album, Rotten Human Kingdom. A colossal sludge/doom offering, where the weight of this band’s depressive sound crushed the bones into dust and turned the senses into dribbling mush.

I loved the sludgy doominess of it, but I love the ‘new’ direction of In the Aftermath of Blight just as much. Mainly because Subterraen haven’t strayed from the sludge path, they’re just infusing it with a lot more atmosphere, and playing around with post soundscapes. The result is an unforgettably immersive listen, where four lengthy tracks fly by in a blur of grimy intensity. Few bands are two for two when it comes to quality albums, and Subterraen can be very proud of their accomplishment here.

An accomplishment that begins in startling style with Paving the Way to Oblivion. The methodical build up, post-melody, and deep thrum of atmosphere, leading to an explosion of heaviness. Subterraen take a very restrained and thoughtful approach, and while it is undeniably intense, it ebbs and flows to the point of addictiveness.

Which isn’t always something you can say about this style of music as it does require deep focus and a willingness to give it time to resonate.

It will, especially as the strength of their creativity comes through stronger and stronger as the album goes on. Even though it is dripping in miserable vibes throughout. Take the choking depths of Poisoned Waters, perhaps the biggest showcase of Subterraen’s new direction. A track that comes with weight, but has atmospheric buoyancy too. The mid-point melodic drop that goes back into emotive heaviness, is very special. It is an epic, on an album of epics, and proves to be immensely listenable, regardless of its soul-sucking intensity.

As much as that track is the highlight, the latter part of the album is hardly lacking in quality though. First, there is 10:27 and here, Subterraen blend chilling melodies with progressive doominess expertly. Then there is the title track, and here, Subterrean double down on all the dark atmosphere they’ve been showcasing so far, and take the listener on a journey fraught with dark danger and tumultuous twists to the post-sludge formula.

There’s no ignoring what came before with ‘Rotten Human Kingdom’, and nor should there be as it’s a great album, but this direction for Subterrean is very special indeed. Based off this album, and this album alone, their future is looking so very bright.

Subterraen – In the Aftermath of Blight Track Listing:

1. Paving the Way to Oblivion
2. Poisoned Waters
3. 10:27
4. In the Aftermath of Blight

Links

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