Metal Monday: Esoteric Provides A Perfect Example Of Dissonance

posted in: Reviews & Playlists

If doom metal were to have a motto, it would most certainly be “tune low, play slow” (this is especially true for sub-genres like funeral doom). The maxim, to a certain degree, very accurately describes much of Esoteric’s work to date. Extra low, extra heavy, with loads of atmospheric textures and haunting vocals”this is pretty much the basis for all of Esoteric’s music. Fortunately, however, Esoteric is lot more interesting than this brief description makes them sound.

The fittingly dark cover art for Paragon Of Dissonance

Paragon Of Dissonance is the band’s latest album, and in true Esoteric fashion, it is both long and great. After the first minute of Paragon Of Dissonance it may seem like you know exactly what is to come for the rest of the record, but that’s not how Esoteric go about their business. Beginning with a slow, lumbering drone, Esoteric place the perfect mood to take the listener on a long journey through textures, moods, atmospheres and sounds. At times Esoteric takes the approach of riffing into oblivion while delivering powerful vocals, and during other spots on the album they change pace with a more somber sound, filling songs with melancholy string parts and dissonant piano chords over a slow-marching rhythm.

Seemingly without hooks, choruses or any of the other modern pop music devices, Esoteric have constructed a compelling span of music that feels more like an opera than it does a contemporary metal album. Separating themselves from many of their drone colleagues, their music is remarkably diverse considering the consistently sluggish tempos. To spice the album up, there are sections with quick guitar licks and solos, as well as some contrasting drum fills and rolls.

A creepy promo picture to match a creepy album

Often times as bands release long record after long record, they become more adept at making the pieces all fit, flow, and stay interesting. Considering the fact that Esoteric have been around since 1992, they’ve clearly mastered this practice. Paragon Of Dissonance turns out to be a long, curious amalgamation of harmonic and textural juxtaposition that remains engaging over a remarkable span of time (about ninety-three minutes). While I wouldn’t recommend this album to anyone who is not in-tune with atmospheric drone, I would absolutely consider it a must-hear for any fans of the genre.

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