Elseetoss is a black metal band from the United States. Formed in 2021, the band released their self-titled debut album that same year. A year later, they released their second album Preagonal. Then, in March of this year, the band released their third album Ablution, and it was through this album that I first came across the band. The album was recommended to me on Last.fm. From the very first listen, the album proved to be very satisfying
Ablution is an album featuring six tracks with a total running time of 40:02. Throughout this album, the American band plunges us into a haunting black metal experience that combines heavy rhythms with a sinister atmosphere. From the very first notes, a malevolent feeling takes hold. Fast-paced sections and furious drumming are also present, as on the track Prismatic from 1:10 onwards. The album also features some doom metal passages, particularly on the track Abyss. Overall, Ablution is an oppressive and sinister black metal album (a style of black metal that I particularly enjoy).
The guitars, with their dense distortion, create a loud atmosphere, but accelerate in several sections, such as on the opening track Plateau from 2:12 onwards. Other sections feature heavy, dark melodies, as on Prismatic. In my opinion, the best guitar performances are on the tracks Abyss and the title track Ablution. The drums make their presence felt with martial percussions and precisely executed blast beats. The best drumming, in my opinion, can be found on tracks such as Withering Blight..
The track Prismatic in my annual Black Metal Playlist on Spotify
The vocals add an aura of anxiety to the oppressive atmosphere, right from the very first track. The vocals are strident and ominous. At times, they take on a depressive and tormented form, as on Prismatic from 2:12 onwards. In my opinion, the vocals deliver their most powerful performances on the track Furrow (on this track, the vocals deliver one of the most imposing screams on the album from 3:18 onwards) as well as on Ablution.
Among the highlights, I really liked the dark atmosphere on Plateau from 5:53 onwards, created using just a few bass notes. I also enjoyed the track Prismatic for its nuanced structure, which shifts between frenzy, heavier moments and melodies that create a melancholic atmosphere. Then there’s the track Abyss, which begins with moments of calamity carried by piano notes before launching into an abyssal atmosphere that makes the listener feel uncomfortable.
Ablution is an album that not only captures the ferocity of classic black metal, but also explores heavier atmospheres and compositions, featuring a few dark melodies. An album that seems ordinary at first listen, but after several spins, one can see that the various sections have been well structured. An album I don’t regret having listened to several times.
