Spanish death metallers Ataraxy premiere the new track “Visions of Absence” at heavily trafficked web-portal NoCleanSinging.com. The track is the second to be revealed from the band’s highly anticipated third album, The Last Mirror, set for international release on June 17th: Me Saco Un Ojo Records will handle the vinyl version while Dark Descent Records will handle the CD version. Hear Ataraxy‘s “Visions of Absence” in its entirety exclusively HERE.
Spain’s Ataraxy is perhaps one of the best-kept secrets of death metal. Between their absolutely magnificent albums and a couple equally worthy EPs, there is a small-yet-loyal following of this band who cannot be shaken. Festering in the Lovecraftian pits of doom-tinged death metal played with unforgettable atmospherics and high-quality songwriting (with phenomenal art and production never forgotten), there is no mistaking them. Their new offering opens with a glistening introduction of charnel hypnosis before descending into the depths once more. Once more, it will be an instantaneously submerging experience for all whom dare tread their sepulchral pathway into abhorrence due to the expansive instrumental assaults that grip you with their many-tendril-led approach. From discomforting vocals and eerie leads to the monstrous guitar riffs and contorted bass backed up by some truly hard-hitting drum work, everything works in unison yet slightly out of sync to bring you further into the nightmare of The Last Mirror.
This new opus, much like its predecessors, works best when listened to intently as a truly engrossing tale of dread and darkness, though individual songs still stand out on their own merits. Aside from the introduction, the band leads with the longest, most drudging track, which will be an effective way at shunning away casual listeners, discouraging their unworthy ears from this ghoulish sonic entity that will only be truly appreciated by those with a keen and patient ear. Those special few will be entranced and rewarded by an album that is spectral, and yet the violent blows it lands are unmistakably corporeal as they will leave you reeling. Continuing their own pathway, the sound is a very natural progression from their previous efforts, which have grown from strength to strength in their own burgeoning wormhole of profoundly superb music. Perhaps most noticeably, and without sacrificing any of the death metal savagery at the core of everything they do, the cinematic side of this record is tenfold stronger than most. In fact, like a self-elected prophecy of doom, their own epic nature has decided the course of the record to be a soundtrack to despairing carnage and intensity that no mortal can withstand. (text by Jørgen Sven Kirby, Nattskog webzine)
In the meantime, hear the brand-new track “Visions of Absence” exclusively HERE, courtesy of NoCleanSinging.com. Also hear the previously revealed “Decline” HERE at Me Saco Un Ojo‘s Bandcamp. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Ataraxy (Spain)’s The Last Mirror
1. Presages [2:05]
2. The Bell That Constantly Sounds [8:29
3. Decline [5:42]
4. Visions of Absence [5:23]
5. Under the Cypress Shadow [7:39]
6. Silence [6:37]
7. A Mirror Reflects Our Fate [5:54]