Dark folk is an all-around enthralling genre with a wide range of well-known names, from Vàli to Ulvesang, but recently, what especially has been catching my attention is the new release from Xasthur – namely Disharmonic Variations, out via Lupus Lounge. Specializing in Black Metal and avant-garde releases, the label has worked with various names of note, including Nachtmystium and Austere.

Initially started as a Black Metal project in 1995, it was the second-wave Black Metal scene from the Nordic countries that became an integral source of inspiration during the beginning of Xasthur’s trajectory of craftsmanship. Having been through a brief name change into Nocturnal Poisoning, founder Scott Conner went back to the name Xasthur, only that this time, he developed a completely new style in his continuous sonic journey – incorporating elements of dark folk with acoustic undertones. 

To this day, Xasthur has released ten studio albums accompanied by an extensive list of EPs, split releases and demos. 

Packed in the form of thirteen tracks of tremendous solemnity, Disharmonic Variations unravels the many sides of the ever-present open wound that exists in Conner’s deep lore throughout the years. Aside from being strong on dark folk/neofolk elements, this album also presents a touch of ambient music envisaging images of a dirt-stained, grimace-laden world. In my opinion, this album gives me a brief reminiscence of Ulver’s Childhood’s End era – as both projects mutually started as Black Metal but turned ambient-experimental later in their career.

The premise of despair often becomes a major theme in Xasthur’s songwriting journey – and on Disharmonic Variations, the songs also represent the bitter feelings of agony and hopelessness, often aligned with Conner’s very own chronicle as he stays true to himself throughout every single creative process he is involved in. Combining acoustic dark folk with ambient, the profundity of the tracks that Xasthur meticulously composed brings the listeners of this album into an otherworldly cosmic experience. At this point, it’s as if Xasthur is an alchemist, but of magical sounds.

Endowed with complexities in a harmonious pace, Disharmonic Variations is an eclectic masterpiece genuinely crafted for lost souls in quest of solace amidst a cold world.

Buy the album here:
http://lnk.spkr.media/xasthur-disharmonic

9 / 10
RALKA SKJERSETH