Ne Obliviscaris - Exul (2023)^{Release ID: 43334}

...I was nervous for this one.

I've made it clear that Ne Obliviscaris are one of extreme metal's most interesting and unique bands in the past, and I still think that Portal of I is one of heavy metal's most important records of the 2010s. In a year where Opeth drastically changed direction and started composing in a style closer to Rush progressive rock, Ne Obliviscaris took the elegance of Opeth-ian songwriting combined it with Allegaeon technical death metal, while the inclusion of dual vocals and violin melodic leads were the icing on the cake. However, my fascination with this group soured on 2017's Urn. While objectively a good album, I could not help but feel like this band had found their comfort zone and would stay here instead of continuously innovate; instead opting for a same-y progressive metal sound that progressive snobs would eat up on name recognition alone.

Turns out the band felt the same way. Instead of maintaining a two/three year release schedule, Ne Obliviscaris took some time off to work on this album and revitalized my anticipation with the promotion single "Equus". Now I have had the chance to sit and resonate with Exul and I am reminded once again why this band are near the top of so many lists that speak about modern progressive metal. It might not be the most outwardly progressive album, but beneath the new songwriting layers, Exul might be among Ne Obliviscaris' best.

If you've listened to Ne Obliviscaris in the past, then you kind of know what to expect. Otherwise; imagine if 2000's Opeth were heavier, but with violin melodic leads. While previous Ne Obliviscaris albums have always had a focus towards black metal, this time around the subgenre seems to be the other extreme metal giant; death metal. You can hear immediately on the opener "Equus" and into "Miseriorde I - As the Flesh Falls" through heavier blast beat emphasis and chugging guitar rffage. The buildup of "Misericorde II - Anatomy of Quiescence" is phenomenal with its attention to detail and allowing the tune to gradually build up to its cathartic release. The layering of the strings through layering is a decision that raised questions at first, but they fill out many of the arrangements during softer sections sans guitar. Like with all albums from this group, the heavy prominence of bass is well received and causes its heavier moments to hit with greater importance instead of just doubling the rhythm guitar with bass. And the dual vocals of Xeonyr and Tim Charles is one of the best chemistries in all of heavy metal music.

To be honest, it is quite difficult to nitpick this album. I guess "Suspyre" had some very strong ideas, but the track honestly felt too avant-garde for its own sake. Likewise, "Graal" is another great track that sounds like it could be a staple of the bands catalogue, but on a record that is so vastly different than other projects, having a more standard Ne Obliviscaris track can feel like a letdown. I am very happy that this band rediscovered what made them so revered initially and provided 2023 with its first essential metal listen.

Best Songs: Equus, Misericorde II - Anatomy of Quiescence, Graal, Misericorde I - As the Flesh Falls

One of the most popular extreme progressive metal bands to come from Australia, the band who was hiding in the unknown in the 2000s propelled into fame with 3 albums in the 2010s. They've taken on a progressive frenzy of extreme metal genres and classical/Latin influences including symphonic violin. They still have their perfect magic in their next album Exul. Though I would subtract a few percentage points from perfection is due to less of the eccentric fun. However, their cohesive focus is still intact. So while it's slightly behind the perfect 2010s trio of gems, Ne Obliviscaris is continuing their journey as the masters of Aussie progressive metal!

4 out of 5 dentists- I mean, members of the band from all 3 of their previous albums have returned for this one. The odd one out, drummer Daniel Presland left a year before its release, but long after recording his parts. Though he had been with the band since their unknown years of the 2000s (except for a break in 2012), the pandemic, which also halted this album's recording and release, and his commitments with his new band Black Lava, were two reasons for his departure. The other difference in lineup is, they have a new bassist Martino Garattoni, who's been with the band since Urn's release. They all really create something phenomenal! According to harsh vocalist Xen, the music is darker while maintaining the usual abstract lyrics, a journey through destructing and despair.

Opening with guitar riff/rhythm fire, the 12-minute "Equus" shows the band staying as glorious as ever! The song and its video is dedicated to the victims of the 2019/2020 Australia wildfires that affected many people and animals there.

The two-part polar-opposite 17-minute epic "Misericorde" begins with "As the Flesh Falls", filled with tech-death fury and progressive metal glory! "Anatomy of Quiescence" is a mournful classic track, sounding beautiful while staying unpredictable. There are barely any vocals there, and that kinda makes things sound longer than should be. Still all this exceptional chemistry is what makes that part stand out.

"Suspyre" doesn't have the diverse surprises I was expecting in a 10-minute track, or in a Ne Obliviscaris song, but it still rules. "Graal" is mighty impressive, with the soloing by Benjamin Baret really blowing your mind. What's more impressive is, violinist/clean vocalist Tim Charles let his daughter guess appear on violin during the last few minutes. The outro finale "Anhedonia" is the perfect ending to this trip. Here we have a morose blend of piano, symphonics, and Charles' vocal chanting. A disturbing yet peaceful ending after all that progressive heaviness.

Exul is, while not as 100% perfect as their 2010s gems, probably both the bleakest and most beautiful offering they've ever done, combining brutal with somber. It can be quite an adventure for any listener, so you have to really be up for those texture-filled arrangements. In wild effortless triumph, Exul can surely make sure that the band's shining legacy continues on!

Favorites: "Equus", "Misericorde" (both parts), "Graal"