Album Review: Through Mists – Hellscape (Self Released)

Through Mists, the Canadian progressive, blistering, blackened death metal solo project of James Aniston (Synastry) will release the ‘Hellscape’ album on December 6th, 2024.

It has only been a few months since the release of Through Mists’ last album, ‘Branches’ but the prolific artist behind the moniker is back, and back with, arguably, the darkest, heaviest, and most brutal release of the band yet. Beginning with a forceful and speedy blast of intensity that shows off Through Mists’ savage side, but also changes to something eerily melodic in an instant, showing off the progressive twists the band has. All of this, in a track not even two and a half minutes long.

This is an unexpected and refreshing approach as more short and sharp blasts of mania arrive in the form of the Insidious contract, Footsteps in the dark, and Phantoms. A harsh cacophony of raw and cathartic heaviness, with wacked out melodies fused on in haphazard fashion. Like everything Through Mists has produced, it can be mightily challenging, but it can also be mightily enjoyable too.

The keyboard is such a major component of the album, and to hear it alongside some synth is cool. That’s what the title track offers up, alongside some filthy sounding vocals and errant guitar soloing. Another example of the unique makeup of this album.

The manic speed and absurd progressive elements then return with aplomb as Eternal King of rot and ruin arrives to melt minds. This is nearly six-minutes of anarchy, and it’s all over the place. While that is appealing in some sense, it’s also heavily off-putting too. I’d say it was the most challenging track of all, but this album has so much more to offer.

First, there’s Rain of Filth, an elaborate display of screaming guitar parts, garish vocals, and haunting melody. A powerful listening experience. Then there’s Enthralling the Queen, one of the album’s strongest efforts as the discordance is far less jarring and the tone has a thrilling sinister vibe. Before this latest slice of madness wraps up with Consume, an eye-watering and stomach-churning effort that is nearly thirteen-minutes long. Chances are, that if you’ve made it this far, you’ll be more than willing to experience this final piece of imaginative noise.

Once again, Through Mists’ delivers something artistically admirable and challenging. This is another unique listen, incredibly progressive and unforgettably weird, and it just so happens to have some raw brutality on show. It’s got a niche appeal, that’s for sure, but it has appeal none the less.

Through Mists – Hellscape Track Listing:

1. Bound to the brimstone
2. Insidious contract
3. Footsteps in the dark
4. Phantoms
5. Hellscape
6. Eternal King of rot and ruin
7. Rain of Filth
8. Enthralling The Queen
9. Consume

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