Gnaw Their Tongues - I Speak the Truth, Yet With Every Word Uttered, Thousands Die (2020)^{Release ID: 40010}

Largely unfamiliar to me as a sub-genre, my introduction into the world of black noise has been as intriguing as it was unplanned.  Worth mentioning that for a period - some 10 or so years ago I guess - I went on a bit of a noise listening spree, so the concept of the style is not lost on me by any means.  As an advocate of growing yourself only by stepping outside of your comfort zone, I have no qualms about picking up news sounds and experiences in metal whatsoever, notwithstanding that there is some complete and utter shit out there of course.  Gnaw Their Tongues is not complete and utter shit is the headline here.  It has a unique place that it inhabits but as with all good artists that standout from the mainstream, this niche-listening market thrives on being esoteric.

Joking aside, I get the "who is going to be brave enough to take on the Gnaw Their Tongues review" comment.  This is not an easy listen and it is not supposed to be.  Likewise, it is not necessarily an easy experience to explain in a review (the truth is that if you do not listen to this record, my words will not be sufficient a description to truly do justice to the experience).  The best way I can summarise the listen throughs I have done is to pick up on a description that I gave to my wife when she asked me why I listen to such "horrible" (sic) music.  I have listened to a lot of music in my life.  From pop to dance music, classical to jazz, country to metal, etc, etc.  All have shared a common appeal to me at various points in my life.  The act of someone (or a collective group of people) baring their soul, emotions and most candid thoughts or beliefs via the medium of music is why I spend so much time listening to music.  The further away from accepted norms or risk an artist is willing to push themselves then the more likely they are to pique my interest.  Step way from conventional song writing and structures (which most definitely have their place) and I am instantly intrigued.  Gnaw Their Tongues therefore ticks the boxes aplenty.

In terms of a rating, as much as I can relate to this record and style of music, it is a victim of its own marginalisation.  I do not see this being ever more than background music for me.  It is far too chaotic to ever be a sit down listen with all other distractions removed experience.  My brain simply would not be able to entertain that.  Like I said above, this inhabits a unique place, but I don't need to pay attention to the detail for it to fulfil its potential.