Genius oftentimes takes time to form. Extremely rarely is it something that can occur overnight even when it’s all being brought together by names that are as competent as they are undeniable in their power. So, patience is a virtue. Excellence can never be rushed let it not be given the proper time to take form, and in the underground it’s only a matter of time before we’re given something that’s been in the works for years that we never could have possibly expected. Delicately crafted by some of the most intrinsic minds of the underground, it’s throughout this sprawling collaboration that the epic of Gilgamesh has been brought to life in such a way that is nigh on compelling in every sense.

A quick scan of the talent involved is all one should need to know what kind of creation we’re dealing with here. Midnight Odyssey is the obvious big name here, but do not let that distract you from the other spectacular talent that’s at play here! Each name has a specific talent and sets of flavors to call its own with every single one of them carefully working in tandem to not just bring these tales to life in a style that truly required a deft hand many times over and loads of attention to detail, but allow the work as a whole to take on a life entirely its own. It has been years since we’ve heard anything from these most of these names, yet it becomes obvious given the dedication and splendor that’s to be had in each of these overwhelming five tracks as to why it has been so long since we’ve heard from them. For everything that has gone into “From the Waters of Death”, it’s clear that a lack of artistic gusto nor settlement in the face of a challenge had no place in the processes that allowed this work to come to life.

Never once do these bands feel restrained in order to bring the epic of Gilgamesh into a modern aural form, and you can feel that in every given minute of these performances. In my opinion, it would be a disservice to the very whole of “From the Waters of Death” to look at these works as individuals instead of what they are: a collaborative performance. It’s something that we’ve seen many times over throughout the underground over the years, but rarely do we get a specimen like this. Across a runtime that’s breaches far over an hour long, “From the Waters of Death” resounds with the very soul. Each step taken by this beast is something that continuously cuts deeper into your psyche as this ensemble cast constantly ensures that you’re not just left begging for more, but never truly knowing what it is that’s coming next. Everyone involved flexes their musical prowess through their unique vision to tremendous effect to effortlessly allow this effort to ebb and flow, inhale and exhale, conquer and convince, and be nothing less than intoxicating should you truly allow Gilgamesh’s life and struggles to wash over you. This is a story that is almost as old as civilization itself, and it demands to be said that these absolute geniuses have pulled off a singularly magnificent feat of immense strength in allowing “From the Waters of Death” to grow into the awesome creation that it is from beginning end.

I’ve done my best to encapsulate this performance, but words can only go so far in describing what been pulled off here. It is still fantastically early in the year to be making any big claims, but I cannot help but feel as though “From the Waters of Death” may very well be on the greatest works of its kind that 2026 will see with the bar being almost insurmountable in its height should someone else hope to come and top this engrossing performance. Each band should be extremely proud of their contributions to this work. Gilgamesh has been brought to life in a singularly unique form with the underground not to see the likes of this effort likely for years to come.

Become lost in deep time. Be like your ancestors and be entranced by the epic of Gilgamesh. Experience what’s destined to be a cult classic of a sort our senses rarely feast upon. Something special has been accomplished here many times over. Do not let it pass you by lest multiple strokes of true brilliance blaze past you.

“From the Waters of Death” releases on February 13th via I, Voidhanger Records!

LISTEN to excerpts from “From the Waters of Death” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Midnight Odyssey on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Midnight Odyssey on Instagram here.

LIKE Swords of Dis on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Swords of Dis on Instagram here.

LIKE Serpent Ascending on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Serpent Ascending on Instagram here.

LIKE Ôros Kaù on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Ôros Kaù on Instagram here.