Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Ne Obliviscaris - Exul (2023)
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"