Of all the different veins of extreme and dark metal that’s out there, the more ritualistic side of it all is something that I don’t think gets enough credit. You wouldn’t think that such a concept would work if you’ve never been exposed to it before, but the incredibly niche sound has been the result of some truly fascinating releases over the years with more than a few modern acts being the sort that you certainly don’t want to miss out on whenever they come around with new material. It’s remained deep in the underground for good reason and I wouldn’t have it any other way, yet I don’t think there’s a band that embodies the sound’s concepts and very nature as what Ch’ahom has accomplished since its reign of terror began seven years ago. Now, they’re primed to put forth their deadliest offensive yet!

Pre-cursor EPs that are little more than mere previews to future full-lengths that aren’t far behind can often be underwhelming since it’s more often the case that the EP consists of glorified B-sides that the band didn’t want to have lying around. Incredibly few times do we see the idea taken to its fullest where we’re given a morsel of what’s to come next and feel properly appetized for the main course that is to come next. Hands down, Ch’ahom has put forth the best example of such a piece that I’ve seen in years. With “Ts’ono’ot”, we’re given a hint of an impending full-length from Ch’ahom yet it is every facet of this single-track 12-minute EP that demands your attention as much as any other work. Unapologetically dark right from the very beginning and more than even atmosphere to instantly enchant you, Ch’ahom proves to a wide audience that they are clearly in tune with their ritualistic tendencies, but it is paired with the metal that’s on display here then we’re given a vision the likes of which we’re lucky to see even once a year. Massive riffs, a tormenting presence that beckons you to the realms of death from beyond, and the genius to really embody the themes and concepts that set Ch’ahom apart from virtually everyone else in the scene, “Ts’ono’ot” is far more than a promissory note of what’s to come soon. It’s a statement all of its own accord with more than enough for us to lose ourselves in with every given aspect of this creation lending to even further fascination with what’s before us no matter how many times we fall back into the EP.

Whatever is to come next, Ch’ahom has set the bar astronomically high with this brief offering. There’s more here than what many can bring forth in their own full-length albums. Ch’ahom has only delivered demos up to the point from what I could find, and it’s clear that everything they’ve done up to this point has been leading them here as they seek to claim the skies for themselves even if it means to crack them apart and see them shatter in pieces to only fall to the earth. The future is viciously promising by all accounts and I can only hope you’ll join me in my vigilance for whatever it is that Ch’ahom summons forth next, but it is until that moment where the chants and harrows of “Ts’ono’ot” beckon my name endlessly. And who am I to resist their call?

LISTEN to “Ts’ono’ot” on Bandcamp here, or via YouTube below.

Ch’ahom does not have any sort of social media that I could find, so please follow Ch’ahom via their Bandcamp page here to stay up-to-date on the band’s activities.