Ever since the underground was first carved out, there have always been names that have sought ever darker depths where even the ground itself is hostile. As we’ve seen endless corridors carved out and all sorts of performances come out of the woodwork to show us what’s still possible in the hands of the daring, it remains evident that there still so much to be had so long as imagination and ingenuity do not run dry. For some, that comes easier than for others. In the case of bands like Seven Chains and their forthcoming album, it’s in the dark and menacingly experimental reaches of the underground that make all too much sense for such talent.
There isn’t so much as a foot of this piece that doesn’t feel designed to attack every aspect of your being. If the cover art itself wasn’t enough to tell you that there was something immediately off about “Swollen, In Flux”, then simply taking a step into this contorting creation should be more than enough proof to show you the madness that Seven Chains offers here. Not only does each track have its own distinct identity with the album as a whole nothing short of a disorienting experience, Seven Chains is constantly forcing our eyes open to spectacles not meant for human comprehension with madness the only reasonable reaction. You’re left as little more than a blithering fool scrambling for your sense of self by the time “Swollen, In Flux” comes to a close. An unpredictable piece that offers no reprieve nor mercy, this intensely experimental breed of black-death metal is as intensely caustic as it is devilishly intriguing. Seven Chains is constantly beckoning you ever further into their terrifying whirlwind where the very rules of the world seem to quickly erode to make room for the incorporeal and downright terrifying. You have to really want to see this record through in order to have the strength to not be consumed by what’s put forth here. Far more than just unorthodox, this is a work that defies expectations in every sense to not just catch you off-guard but to ensure that its taint is not easily gone from your fragile soul.
We’ve seen many names come out of nowhere to show us what can be done when you think out of the box, yet bands like Seven Chains still feel few and far between in damn near every regard. This isn’t some piece that’s meant for casual listening. Rather, “Swollen, In Flux” is a bold statement from a band not just seeing what they can do, but what can be endured. Like many other interesting efforts in this writhing corner of the underground, “Swollen, In Flux” challenges you at practically every turn rather than offering some blissful escapism. Instead, this is spiritual obliteration from top to bottom.
“Swollen, In Flux” releases on June 26th via I, Voidhanger Records and Rubeus Obex!
LISTEN to an advanced track from “Swollen, In Flux” on Bandcamp here.
FOLLOW Seven Chains on Instagram here.