EP Review: Jade/Sanctuarium – The Sempiternal Wound (Pulverised Records)

Two macabre death and doom masters, Jade and Sanctuarium, have unified as one for a split EP called ‘The Sempiternal Wound’. It will be released on August 13th, 2024, via Pulverised Records.

A hefty split EP, neither Jade or Sanctuarium are short-changing listeners here and the five tracks that make up this EP are as harsh as they are heavy. This is a nihilistic release, one that speaks of the impeccable cycle of life and death from an inevitable standpoint and serves as a stark reminder of the pain that makes up the lifespan of mankind. How fun, right?

Well, while fun may be an aspect neither band cares to show, both are more than willing to push the limits of acceptability with their darkly monolithic sound. Sharing so much in common that they fit together like heaven and hell, while also having notably contrasting aspects.

Though, it is fair to say that of the two, Jade has the more accessible sound and certainly shows off a more cinematic aspect to what they do. Three tracks, three gargantuan examples of deliciously dark grandeur, intensity, and layers of horror. Not for the faint of heart, but with more melody and rhythm than first expected. Especially as Sanctuarium’s two offerings bring weighty and slow doom crashing down upon the mind.

Both bands offer a hefty mental workout, just from different directions, while sharing undeniable levels of dark power and force. A very big impression is left by both Jade and Sanctuarium, even if you might be desperate for something a little more cheerier after listening to The Sempiternal Wound.

Jade / Sanctuarium – The Sempiternal Wound Track Listing:

1. Jade – Third Creation
2. Jade – Cascade
3. Jade – Essential Formulas for Life Transition
4. Sanctuarium – Recomposition of Carbonized Corpses
5. Sanctuarium – Malodorous Osteophagy in Acrimony

Links

Jade – Bandcamp | Jade – Facebook | Jade – Instagram | Sanctuarium – Bandcamp | Sanctuarium – Instagram | Pulverised Records