Every year sees a handful of creations that are able to tap into something on a different level altogether. It’s anyone’s guess as to what precise form such experiences will take as it feels as though it can happen just as easily in the realm of death metal as much as it can in black metal, doom. folk metal, or whatever else you may have in mind. Sometimes, such a creation blurs the lines and allows for virtually anything to take place. Whatever it was that Patristic delivered in its 2022 debut, I doubt many could have anticipated the overwhelming grandeur that was thrown down earlier this year.

This is a creation that’s exceedingly hard to pin down. Almost by our nature as humans, we seek categorization in some form or another. It brings us a semblance of comfort through apparent understanding, yet there are always a few exceptions that come around now and then that showcase how creative the human drive for creativity can be when the right circumstances are met. With everything that Patristic offers us throughout the six gorgeously intense tracks of “Catechesis”, it’s obvious that circumstances were nothing short of prime through the whole process of crafting this record. A tremendously intelligent blend of black and death metal in a package that’s technical and dissonant to a singularly sublime extent – damn near every aspect that’s to be found within “Catechesis” deserves thorough analysis. Unrelenting and compelling in its engrossing fury and its haunting splendor even when the record pulls back for dazzling contrast, “Catechesis” is surprisingly dense and all the more alluring for what mysteries it holds within to make repeat listens virtually mandatory as the gifts of the record keep on giving. Words can barely do such a thing justice, try as I might. This is an effort that demands you to experience it fully lest you allow some piece of its grandeur to fly right past you, a morsel in a larger banquet that can make the difference in such a heavenly course.

It’s been a few months since Patristic dropped this album, and I’m pleasantly surprised to see this album get widespread acclaim for it is more than deserved. Practically every decision made throughout this creation has something fascinating to offer without compromise in any form with “Catechesis” an artistic triumph the likes of which demands to be hailed for years to come. Whatever is to come next from the excellence behind Patristic, they already have quite a high bar to hurdle should they hope to top what’s been accomplished here.

LISTEN to “Catechesis” on Bandcamp here.

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