DEATHSPELL OMEGA — Paracletus (review)

DEATHSPELL OMEGA — Paracletus album cover Album · 2010 · Black Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4.5/5 ·
Conor Fynes
'Paracletus' - Deathspell Omega (9/10)

Originally producing a much more primal brand of black metal in their earlier days, French avant-metal act Deathspell Omega has come a long way from their origins.Having adopted many more technical and ambitious traits into their music, it may be surprising to some that the band hasn't lost any of their dark atmosphere in making the transition. With their fifth full- length album 'Paracletus,' the band affirms this marriage of atmosphere and complexity, and has crafted an astounding, haunting and provocative piece of music that builds on their existing fervor and strength as one of the most innovative acts in the black metal realm.

The conclusion to an adventurous trilogy surrounding the relationship between God, Satan, and Mankind, 'Paracletus' derives it's name from the Greek word for 'comforter,' which has since become synonymous with the idea of the 'holy spirit.' While the album is incredible as a standalone work, it should be noted that this complex and progressive style was used to similar effect on the two previous albums, 2004's 'Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice,' and it's follow-up 'Fas - Ite, Maledicti, in Ignem Aeternum.' While these three albums are linked by style, 'Paracletus' itself is bound by a nearly seamless sense of cohesion, giving the effect of an epic 'suite' rather than a collection of tracks.

Despite a very unique approach to the genre, it's very clear that 'Paracletus' is a black metal record at it's core. The inhuman growls, shrieks and blastbeats of the genre are here in no short supply, but it's really the vibe and atmosphere that ties it in so well with the style. Ranging from some incredibly technical and chaotic segments ('Wings Of Predation') to the more mellow, almost 'post-rock' elements ('Dearth'), 'Paracletus' is tied together by a haunting, deeply unsettling and 'evil' atmosphere.

In 2010, it's still clear that Deathspell Omega has not lost a hint of their penchant for calculated madness, and have no intention of slowing down. While the technical insanity may turn off some of the more traditional black metal fans out there, 'Paracletus' will indeed be remembered as one of the premier albums of the genre released in the new decade, and a possibly classic addition to this band's career.
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