Aside from having one of the most spot-on names, Hell Is Other People also meticulously and so magnificently presents a style of metal that marries atmospheric/blackened vocals and post-Rock instrumentals.

Moirae (Transcending Obscurity Records) is the culmination of a sports team that has all the makings of a championship contender. 

Even though the drums are battering and bestial, the strings provide a warmer, more soothing bed. The vocal exposition is dark, deranged and a whole bunch of impressive. Knoll-like in nature, Nathan Ferreira is maniacal in their bulging screams. 

The sputtering riff on “Fates” invigorates those bubbly gurglings, and it also sees Ferreira etching a statue of artistic brilliance with lustrous shouts. 

Most inspiring of all, though, is “Loss.” Gristling, rough-around-the-edges guitar tones beckon diabolical harshes that feels paradoxically soothing and life-affirming. The band’s chemistry reaches its apex at the midway point in what could only be described as a sonic erection. 

An ever-present frigidity keeps things morose and after their performance, it wouldn’t be at all surprising if Ferreira was capable of holding their breath for five minutes.

There’s post-Rock energy buried underneath tormented cries of despondency (“Degrade”) that further soars thanks to the drum’s menacing, uncouth intentions.

Hell Is Other People’s sound, in a nutshell, is the epitome of misery-loving company, and the redundancy of that sentence couldn’t be more fitting. 

Buy the album here:
https://hellisotherpeoplebm.bandcamp.com/album/moirae

8 / 10
MATT COOK