It is slowly becoming more constant that the world of doom metal is putting forth some truly bold creations that do more than simply go against the grain. At least, in my experience it is. Far from something that is under a wild change for one reason or another, doom metal has always been ripe for such experimentation and expansion should the right names come along to unlock that potential and do such a concept justice. More than a few have made waves to do just that with some names becoming larger than others, and it’s always fascinating to me to see just how far the boundaries of doom can be pushed. Seven years after their last outing, Subterranean Disposition shows us that they’ve evolved into a name not to be denied that very glory in any capacity.

Out of the gate, it’s hard to encapsulate what it means to push the boundaries of any sound given that can mean, quite literally, anything and everything. Such a blank slate can be quite a scary prospect if you’re not ready to take those challenges head-on, but you pick any given minute within the 46 minutes of “Individuation” and realize that this a beyond the prime example of what it means to transcend doom metal to not just make it different, but wholly their’s to the point where it is more than deserving of being dubbed unique without stipulation. Everything about this record is not what any of us would expect from any experience be it from Subterranean Disposition or any other name out there. This is a record nobody could have ever hoped to predict. From the varying levels of heaviness that come together as beautifully as the seas and the sky during a late-day sunset to the wild unpredictable sax to the magnificent themes of guidance through the deepest levels of self to the immense implementation of metal styles all across the spectrum, how can one not fall into all that is “Individuation” and not being floored by all that is brought forth? The word “unique” barely taps into what has been delivered here. “Individuation” checks off every box one could ever hope for when considering a creation that goes against the grain, and it is at every turn that Subterranean doesn’t just defy what we might expect from the outset, but conquers all before them with absolute impunity and not so much as an ounce of mercy.

This is what it means to far exceeds expectations and deliver something that few can dare compare themselves to with Subterranean Disposition downright thriving in their isolation. Where few dare to venture and even fewer come out on top, the very whole of “Individuation” is a wondrous stroke of genius that demands to be experienced! Whether it’s from its more uncompromising passages or sheer ingenuity that brings everything together in staggering form, this effort from Subterranean Disposition requires to be hailed as the band’s magnum opus.

LISTEN to “Individuation” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Subterranean Disposition on Facebook here.