Suffering Hour: Dwell (2019)

The members of Suffering Hour were once in a progressive thrash metal band by the name of Compassion Dies.  But Suffering Hour is a far cry from that sound, performing a much murkier, caustic brand of blackened death metal.  Suffering Hour has attracted quite a bit more attention and generally been more productive.  The band's new sound seems to take influence from groups like Ulcerate and Inquisition, bands who defy any real description.  But I will try anyway.

This the band's third release, an EP consisting of just one 18-minute song.  That one song though is like the auditory equivalent of staring off into the void.  It is completely chaotic, undergoing a number of structural changes and embracing emptiness and formlessness.  There is nothing pretty here as the song starts out with atonal chord progressions and devolves into pure madness soon thereafter.  It is the sound of utter isolation and annihilation.  And when it is all over, it feels like a relief, but still leaves you wanting more.

I will definitely be checking out more from Suffering Hour.  This kind of music is not something to listen to everyday, and certainly there is a time and a place for it, but it is challenging and rewarding.