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Xasthur's 2002 debut, Nocturnal Poisoning, stands as an undisputed classic and a groundbreaking milestone in USBM. A masterpiece of raw, haunting atmosphere, it exudes an unparalleled sense of darkness and isolation. This limited edition double LP features black vinyl, a gatefold jacket, and striking new cover art. Limited to 500 copies.
With Nocturnal Poisoning, Xasthur unveiled a debut that would cement its place as one of the defining works of American black metal. Malefic’s vision of bleak, otherworldly soundscapes emerges in full force here, crafting an album that is as immersive as it is haunting. While later releases would delve even deeper into despair, this record strikes a unique balance between atmospheric beauty and raw intensity, making it an essential listen for fans of depressive black metal.
From the opening notes of In the Hate of Battle, the album pulls the listener into a thick fog of melancholic distortion. The guitars churn with an eerie, almost hypnotic quality, blending seamlessly with ghostly keyboard melodies that drift in and out like lost souls. The drum programming, often a point of contention in black metal, is utilized to perfection—distant and restrained, yet forceful enough to propel the compositions forward without overshadowing the suffocating atmosphere.
Malefic’s vocals are a tortured wail from the abyss, buried just beneath the surface of the instrumentation, adding another layer of depth to the music’s already cavernous sound. The production, though raw, is meticulously arranged to enhance the album’s dreamlike quality rather than obscuring its intricacies. Tracks like Soul Abduction Ceremony showcase a masterful use of repetition, where melodies cycle and evolve, drawing the listener deeper into Xasthur’s world of sorrow and isolation.
The title track is a sprawling, 15-minute journey that exemplifies Malefic’s ability to create vast, immersive compositions. It begins in a slow, almost meditative state, gradually building in intensity before climaxing in a whirlwind of tremolo-picked guitars and relentless percussion. Despite its length, the piece never loses momentum, proving to be one of the most captivating moments on the album.
A particular highlight is Xasthur’s instrumental cover of Mütiilation’s Black Imperial Blood, which strips away the vocals and allows the eerie, discordant melodies to speak for themselves. The interpretation is both reverent and innovative, seamlessly fitting within the album’s flow while paying homage to one of Malefic’s clear influences.
Though deeply rooted in black metal’s traditions, Nocturnal Poisoning sets itself apart with its emphasis on atmosphere and composition. It is an album that rewards patience, revealing its depth through repeated listens. Each track is a passage into a world of solitude and darkness, a journey that lingers long after the final notes fade.
For those seeking an album that embodies the true essence of atmospheric and depressive black metal, Nocturnal Poisoning is an undeniable masterpiece. It remains a defining statement from one of the genre’s most enigmatic figures, a haunting experience that stands the test of time.
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