Already, the world of funeral doom metal is begging to be expanded upon with it ever so slowly becoming more of a point of intrigue for those of us looking for just a little bit more out of a genre that already goes intense in every factor. Given how niche and tight-knit the style is, it’s up to already-established names to deliver performances that can keep us coming back for more. Mesmur has been a name to respect in the sound for years now with their power one that I’ve constantly been finding myself before given its titanic strength and undeniable sway, yet it’s with their upcoming creation that I can’t help but feel as though Mesmur has elevated themselves to another level.

It’s always been fascinating for me to witness the rise of bands along their own respective journeys throughout many different styles with some delivering mastery right out of the gate while others build upon their strengths over time. Since day one, Mesmur has never been a force to underestimate in any form with their appearances every few years never anything to look down upon when it comes to the sheer weight and presence of their performances. It is with “Chthonic”, however, that it feels as though Mesmur has tapped into a somewhat different energy to really make their fourth full-length album nothing that can be denied. Shedding their more cosmic aspect for a more spiritualistic approach, the change of venue and visages for Mesmur is refreshing with the band’s trajectory of unyielding funeral doom only further in these five tracks as their power has not waned in any amount. Rather, it is only been enhanced with the crafting of “Chthonic” further showing us why Mesmur demands to be seen as one of the key factors in the global scene of funeral doom and all that it has to offer despite its limited quantity. Overladen with hauntingly beautiful additions of cellos and violas alongside breathtaking synths that truly add a magnificent contrast and splendor arrays of color to the mix of an already massive creation, “Chthonic” is not just one for the fans of this specific style but one that I would whole-heartedly put before those who are looking to take that extra step and find themselves before an entity that’s likely not akin to anything they’ve encountered before.

Having already made themselves a name that doesn’t need to prove anything else when it comes to their power or quality, Mesmur has really impressed me more so than I was expecting with these five massive slabs. This is the power from beyond manifested into an uncompromising presence that is more than enough to bring you to your very knees with the utter whole of “Chthonic” a testament to the very magnitude of Mesmur that cannot simply be experienced once.

“Chthonic” releases on April 14th via Solitude Productions and Aesthetic Death!

LISTEN to Mesmur on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Mesmur on Facebook here.