Deathspell Omega - The Furnaces of Palingenesia

Meaning for a meaningless life?

(Originally submitted to the Metal Archives on December 26th 2022) 

Deathspell Omega is probably the most important metal band of the 21st century. Since their humble beginnings in Infernal Battles, the band has evolved in a rather unexpected way, leading to them revolutionizing black and avant-garde metal as we know it. From 2004 to 2016, their music was positively groundbreaking, both from a musical and conceptual standpoint. The band’s analysis of man’s relation with God and Satan was explored through a multitude of releases, starting with Si Monvmentvm Reqvires, Circvmspice and culminating in The Synarchy of Molten Bones. Following the end of that opus, the band disappeared for a few years, before returning with the subject of this review, The Furnaces of Palingenesia, an album that marks the beginning of another chapter in the band’s history.

Deathspell Omega’s always been a band that puts a great focus on their lyrical content, which is arguably as important as music on display. This album, unlike the works that preceded it, marks a departure from the theological content and moves into sociopolitical territory. Furnaces... is conceptual in nature, and tackles themes of rebellion and oppression, with the band telling people to revolt and take up arms against those who rule over them. Another motif that pervades the content here is that of the oppressor attempting to make people content with their current state, with lines such as “We shall grant you freedom from freedom” being heard throughout the album’s runtime. It paints a bleak image for the current state of the world, and that’s reflected in the compositions and vocal performance. Mikko Aspa’s weathered and raspy growl maintains a commanding presence throughout, spewing these venomous diatribes with great fervour, further increasing the impact of the lyrics.

The aforementioned compositions also differ compared to the works that came before it. Contrasting the cataclysmic nature of Paracletus, Furnaces... takes a more desolate tone for the songs presented here. While there’s no shortage of discordant and chaotic tremolo riffs, as seen in tracks like “The Fires of Frustration”, there’s a distinct focus on crushing and more-slow paced songs. Tracks like “Ad Arma! Ad Arma!” and “Standing on the Work of Slaves” feature these lopsided rhythms that are strangely catchy by Deathspell Omega standards, without that meaning that they’re any less chaotic or engaging.

I would be remiss not to discuss the closer, “You Cannot Even Find the Ruins...”. Musically It's built on 2 very simple and sparse motifs, but what makes them work is their thematic relevance to the album at large. Following the deranged madness of the 10 tracks that came before it, this piece paints a very hopeless image for the world, through its lyrics and the desolation that pervades the slow, ringing riffs. It’s a song that, while excellent, requires someone to experience the album in full in order to get the most out of it, and doesn’t stand as well on its own.

The production here is also worth discussing, seeing as the acoustics are an integral component of the experience. The guitars maintain that jangly sound that can be found in previous releases, but here it sounds a bit more grimy, in part due to the slower compositions presented here, which are propped up by the bass’s massive tone. The anonymous drummer’s kit is appropriately punchy and stands out thanks to his absolutely manic performance. Deathspell Omega also decided to inject some symphonics in some parts of the album, to great effect. Their presence doesn’t feel unnatural and they lend themselves to the music perfectly.

While the album itself is on a whole top notch, I’ve one issue with it, which does impact my enjoyment ever so slightly. Around the midpoint, the album takes a dip in quality, with the songs there being less engaging than the rest of the album. “Imitatio Dei” and “1523” simply fail to hold my attention like the tracks that surround them, and feel like a bit of a detour before the band returns to the juicy stuff. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, and they aren’t inherently bad, but they fail to hold their own against the rest of the album.

The Furnaces of Palingenesia marks the start of a new chapter for Deathspell Omega, one that seemingly has great things in store for both them and their fans. A monumental work that sees them break new ground, both lyrically and musically, it’s an important addition to their canon, and one of the most interesting metal albums of the last few years.

Highlights: The Fires of Frustration, Ad Arma! Ad Arma!, Standing on the Work of Slaves, You Cannot Even Find the Ruins...

Rating: 89%