In life, unpredictability can be a curse as well as a blessing. In 2021, two dueling certainties are the unpredictability of coronavirus and GosT. Texas raised master of dark synth, GosT is a one-man entity that never catches the same beat twice. His first album, Skull, released in 2013, began his journey. It is this darkly illuminated path that would lead his fans through Black Metal territory years later with Valediction, before soaring off like a witch on a broomstick into his newest release. That album, Rites Of Love And Reverence, arrived Friday, August 13, 2021 via Century Media.
Research is important, specifically when the subject matter is very far removed from the subject. GosT could not do what he does without first enveloping himself in the knowledge necessary to create, before diving even further to bring something fresh into view. More specifically, Rites Of Love And Reverence is all about witchcraft and how women have been affected throughout history. While this could not be more outside of GosT’s comfort zone, a fact that is made known throughout the tracks, it is also surprisingly in tune with his intended message.
On Rites Of Love And Reverence, new genres are explored. In some moments, GosT even fluctuates in and out of a Darkened Dubstep with an Industrial vibe. But for anyone who appreciated the larger than life synth sounds of Perturbator, they serve as a pivotal influence here. However, GosT continues to sound like no other. His strength lies in the technique of perfectly-crafting completely opposite genres into a very cohesive storyline, then flipping the script for the next album so that it will be a completely unexpected mix.
With that in mind, Rites Of Love And Reverence starts off with “Bell, Book, and Candle,” a ritualistic introduction of sounds including a woman’s voice that echoes into the track in a very creatively interlocked way. Next, shocking the listener into the unexpected is the electrocuted sounds that dominate “Bound By Horror.” This is very unexpected upon first listen, but it quickly falls into place as one imagines any modern Horror flick where flashes of a tortured banshee’s face come to mind.
Next up is “The Fear,” and, ironically, there is nothing scary about the actual music. In fact, the underlying depth created in these tracks is quite impressive: with songs like “A Fleeting Whisper” it is just fascinating to imagine one man performing this live. Truth be told, when listening, it is best to forget about everything that GosT’s music meant to an individual in the past. While this definitely sounds like GosT, it is a reborn version of the story being created.
Dungeon-like clubs could serve up any track from this album well, and one of the best examples of a well thought out journey of horrific amazement is “Blessed Be.” With the dark dance in full effect, the party isn’t even over yet! “November Is Death” explores a colorful transition, bringing back the woman’s voice in yet another fashion, while “Embrace The Blade” takes on a very dynamic, ‘80s Horror themed vibe. Upon first listen this might shock fans in its twisted approach, though on second analysis its ingenuity overpowers.
Closing out this work of artistic empowerment is “Coven,” which creates more radiating electricity in a dark, deserted building, as well as the beautiful acoustic tune that is “Burning Thyme.” Cleansing the soul from the enemy, whether that enemy is outside our dark hearts or within, is a very personal, ritualistic matter.
Staying stagnant is only comfortable for so long before a person starts lying to themselves about what they love and loathe to get through the days of monotony and boredom. In the case of GosT’s music, it can never be boring. On Rites Of Love And Reverence, he has yet again created a collection that completes a unique musical movement, one that tells a story in a novel manner. For these reasons Cryptic Rock gives GosT’s latest musical endeavor 4.5 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment