It practically goes without saying that the world of atmospheric black metal is overflowing with names that don’t really bring anything new, or outright interesting in many scenarios, to the table with the unfortunate fate of many becoming lost in obscurity in an ocean of competition that’s doing much of the same thing. Even the slightest deviation from that well-worn path can offer a band a way forward to make a real identity for themselves even if it’s only by a little bit. Taking a good handle on its own concepts and themes to make for a debut record that calls on many of the hallmarks of the sound while always trying to find its own way forward, Esox puts forth a valiant effort to stand out in an ocean that would otherwise devour the act.

It’s not uncommon to see the concepts of suicide crop up in what black metal has always been capable of with the more atmospheric reaches of the sound able to tap into something interesting and even profound about the taking of one’s own life, but, like many things, it’s all in the approach and execution where a name sets itself apart from the rabble. A drawn-out experience takes its time telling the tale of a man choosing to end his life through drowning while ruminating on the facets of life, death, nature, and humanity itself as he becomes one with the riverbed that he chooses as his resting place, Esox brings it all together in a form that’s just exquisite in all that it dares to accomplish in six tracks across the hour-long run of “Watery Grave”. Taking themes of aquatic life into account, it’s throughout these pieces that Esox does a tremendous job at offering a dynamic listen that’s compelling with its captivating highs and foreboding lows that allow a dynamic to quickly form that doesn’t just enable the themes at play to really come to life but gives Esox the opportunity to introduce different cues from different styles that effortlessly makes “Watery Grave” pop in flavor and personality. It’s clear from the get-go that Esox had that in mind and it pays off gloriously.

Brought together in a churning river that has much to offer from its intricate flora and fauna surrounding this lone soul seeking an end, this is one hell of a first album from a name that has clearly been busy since its inception five years ago with the results showing off at virtually every turn. There’s still loads of room to improve, of course, but it demands to be made evident that what Esox pulls off within this effort makes for a rock-solid foundation that poses real growth for this Italian act. There’s much inspiration to be had with an aquatic theme alongside a great understanding of what atmospheric black metal can become, and I think it’s every step taken within “Watery Grave” that Esox demonstrates the beginnings of magnificence. It only needs to follow the flow of the river and allow nature to take its course to reach its great destination.

LISTEN to “Watery Grave” on Bandcamp here.

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