Already, competition is quite stiff throughout the many different regions of the underground. At all times, it’s a task to not just stand out from the crowd but be able to firmly plant both feet on the ground and be able to weather anything and everything that the underground might throw your way as you seek to gain a foothold and climb the ranks. For some, though, it comes naturally. Some can manage to gain a presence even in the densest, most saturated sounds of the underground where many others can only hope to shine. With their debut album, Stellar Rot proves to be one of the exceptional few.
At any given moment, it is effortless to make the claim that out of all the sounds in the already crowded realms of black metal that it’s atmospheric reaches are oftentimes where many congregate for one reason or another. It’s an appealing sound for many as it can be quite dichotomic and dynamic for all the right reasons, yet it can seem as though there aren’t many that can capitalize on that potential in a meaningful way. However, that doesn’t mean greatness still isn’t possible with bands like Stellar Rot ensuring we have more than enough reasons to keep coming back to the sound over and over again. Five tracks may not seem like a lot to take from when it comes to anybody’s debut, yet that didn’t stop Stellar Rot from making “Where the Formless Ones Dwell” something that should absolutely be experienced by anyone who considers themselves even a mild fan of atmospheric black metal. Adhering to many of the hallmarks that have long made the genre alluring to artists and listeners alike, it is here that Stellar Rot proves to have an immensely strong understanding of what it means to embody those concepts while always making sure to keep things fresh.
From its undeniable melodies to its obvious emotion to the dynamic songwriting, “Where the Formless Ones Dwell” does more than simply stand out; the record positively thrives. Many others would understandably stumble in some form or another with their debut, but it is here that Stellar Rot seemingly barely breaks a sweat and looks damn good while showing us what atmospheric black metal can stil be.
“Where the Formless Ones Dwell” releases on September 25th via Hypnotic Dirge Records!
LISTEN to an advanced track from “Where the Formless Ones Dwell” on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Stellar Rot on Facebook here.
FOLLOW Stellar Rot on Instagram here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BFqUwF06MQ