Virginia’s very own Construct Of Lethe has released three full-length albums to this day, with A Kindness Dealt In Venom being the most recent, out via Transcending Obscurity Records. The Death Metal unit seems to be fond of incorporating the lyrical themes of chaotic psychological terror into their songs, but on this album they managed to encompass an even more wider range of emotions, from suicidal depression, self-hatred and existential void.
A Kindness Dealt In Venom is a visceral-nuanced release that is rooted from many sources of influence that Construct Of Lethe implemented during the creative process of it. It basically consists of a myriad of musical styles, even the ones contrasting with each other; from Industrial, Black Metal, Doom Metal, to ambient – so it isn’t some regular ordinary Death Metal release that only encompasses one single genre spectrum. Aside from the multiple styles incorporated on the album, Construct Of Lethe also involved the uses of synth and electronics in order to complete the touch of ambient elements on it.
While remaining coherent as well as cohesive, the album traverses various dimensions with its complex rhythms suitable for fans of Morbid Angel, Immolation and Nile. Not only being structurally cohesive in sounds, the lyrical themes appear to be consistent as well – presenting a nihilistic voice of desolation born out of personal sentiments, as it is an autobiographical concept album relating to the members’ personal experiences. It also deals with the topic surrounding battles with inner voices inside one’s head, coming to terms with the persisting life.
Despite having moments of bleakness in its sonic atmosphere, it also has cathartic moments of epiphany characterized by the Morbid Angel-esque upbeat sections. While the album has Doom-influenced, slow-paced elements with dark sludgy resonances, it is also balanced with fast-paced Black Metal-inspired abrasive brutality comparable to Blut Aus Nord. I’ve been keeping an eye on Transcending Obscurity’s rosters for some time, and it’s fair to say this is one of the releases that leaves a long-lasting mark in my memory due to its versatility and boundless musical spectrum.
Almost like a nocturnal blaze in the midst of winter solstice, this autobiographical concept album did well in delivering nihilistic ponderings as well as virulent transgressions in the form of twelve tracks of blasting dissonances. It explores a varied range of styles and approaches in a contemplative attitude.
Buy the album here:
https://constructoflethedm.bandcamp.com/album/a-kindness-dealt-in-venom
8 / 10
RALKA SKJERSETH