Many times over the decades have we seen loads of different interpretations of what metal music can still become. Even as we find ourselves in an era where experimentation and outside-of-the-box thinking feel more rampant than ever before, there are some concoctions that continue to feel less explored for any number of reasons. It takes daring and imagination to bring unlikely sounds together, but the talent to make it work is the key factor that we’re typically lacking more often than not. Black and death metal are far from a rare combination, but it’s with one small twist that Phasma has made their impact known, particularly with their forthcoming effort that takes things to the next level.

At any given moment, there are throngs of bands out there in the dense thicket of the underground that utilize a combination of death and black metal to all sorts of different results, and it’s only a matter of time before a band comes along that manages to breathe new life into the idea. A small push in the right direction can make for a wild difference. Upon investigation of Phasma, it’s obvious that they sought a more forceful shove into a bold direction that could have easily fallen apart if it was in lesser hands. With their forthcoming work of “Purgatory”, Phasma has crafted a fascinating embodiment of both the sound and the title concept itself. Despite being an unlikely combination, Phasma blends together scathing black metal with the undeniable power of brutal death metal in such a way that’s compelling, all-consuming, and downright sinister in all that it dares to bring to the table. It’s far from an easy listen and nothing that’s to be taken lightly, but it’s made clear in one track after another that “Purgatory” is more than a band seeking to execute a mere concept. Rather, through immense presence, overwhelming power, and inscrutable control over their particular craft, Phasma manages to blow expectations out of the water, truly embody a carnivorous darkness that seeks the very light of the universe, and operate in a niche corner of the underground that is ripe for expansion.

I cannot help but feel as though Phasma is really onto something here with their utterly suffocating brand of fire and fury of a breed that is not easily turned away from. Visceral and downright caustic in virtually every sense, “Purgatory” earns its worth time and time again with Phasma’s personal flavors of menace of a sort that are as intoxicating as it is engrossing.

“Purgatory” releases on February 20th via Transcending Obscurity Records!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Purgatory” on Bandcamp here.

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