Despite the world known adage that you should “never judge a book by its cover”, sometimes cover art is an excellent snapshot that gives a good indication of what is to come. The artwork in the case of Oupiroullel (Centipede Abyss) manages to both indicate what is to come with its frenzied, warped and vivid artwork, whilst somehow doing absolutely nothing to give preparation.

A part of the Centipede Abyss collective, Act Of Entropy is a purposefully challenging act and their latest EP is an assured testament to this. It is, assumedly, loose and most certainly abrasive but strangely captivating. This is in a sense a form of free-form jazz, but harsher and more distorted. At the same time, it feels reminiscent of Black Metal whilst also not quite fitting that mould.

Oupiroullel does not give a moment to allow the listener to ease into proceedings as album opener “Cosmoillogical Evolution” dives straight into a barrage of chaotic instrumentation which proves instantaneously disorientating. Amidst the fuzzy guitar work, intermittent piano, and fluid drumming, there are echoes of what sounds like black metal with harsh vocals which equally feel like the mind is almost filling in gaps; it’s hard to confirm as to whether these are truly existent.

“Vile Architecture” shows a similar free flowing nature, piercing quality and fast pace, complete with some dizzying solo’s within.

“RfpneflfifeL” is perhaps the closest this mini-release gets to subtlety with its slower pace and gradual instrumentation additions, with a bassline being largely the most prominent aspect of the song, before near rambling and shrill guitarwork joins the fray.

As a different side to the same coin, “Unseen Sinuous Shrines” also feels comparatively accessible before building upon it, however all the while feeling entirely darker and abyssal.

Oupiroullel is not an easy listen. In fact it is a confounding, nauseating, and even near unnerving experience, and this is surely by design. It is a hugely dense release which means it takes multiple listens to begin to grasp all that is happening, made harder with a harsh production value which adds to its ambience.

Unsurprisingly this will not be for everyone, far from it; however if you like to be challenged in listening, there will certainly be some worth in this experience.

 

Buy the album here:
https://actofentropy.bandcamp.com/album/oupiroullel

7 / 10
CHRIS TIPPELL