Review: Predatory Void ‘Atoned In Metamorphosis’
Nestling in Western Europe, bordering France and Germany, when I think of Belgium, it is mostly medieval and Renaissance architecture, the EU, the film In Bruges and, according to Douglas Adams, the rudest word in the galaxy. However, in terms of extreme music, the country has proved a melting pot that has thrown out some incredible bands, including Amenra, Enthroned, Oathbreaker and the short-lived Serpent Cult (who, fun fact for pointless trivia, was my debut review for this very site some 17 years ago).
Despite only forming a relatively short four years ago in 2022, Ghent natives Predatory Void look to add to the list of notable bands from the region, with several releases under their belt, including their ferocious Century Media debut Seven Keys To The Discomfort Of Being in 2023 and the follow-up Live At dunk!studios one year celebration.
The genesis of the band came about when Amenra guitarist Lennart Bossu (also of Oathbreaker) found himself writing music that would fall outside the realms of the Kortrijk crew’s sound. Gathering like-minded collaborators – vocalist Lina R, guitarist Thijs Decloedt and drummer Vincent Verstrepen – they set about creating a sound that would be heavy on experimentation and the exploration of spiritual catharsis. Completing their ranks is bassist Kris Auman, who not only cements their sound but also adds vocals that intertwine and complement Lina‘s in their quest to attain sonic and emotional heights.
There can be a tendency – some readers of my frequent dalliances into post-metal writing will note with no small degree of irony – to throw around lofty words to describe the musical journey a release can take you on. The PR statement for Predatory Void is no exception, with talk of ‘architectural heft’ and ‘textural nuance’. Which should give you all the information you need before wading into this short but complex EP.
Atoned In Metamorphosis focuses on compressing their restless energy and search for soul-wrenching musical heights into just four comparatively short tracks; each one designed to take you on a journey of transformation that reflects polar opposites of themselves. Through the mere thirteen minutes, they bring the force of cerebral post-metal, fiery black metal and moments of vulnerable, ambient reverb to guide you through a wide-ranging musical landscape.
The opening tones of Make Me Whole is stripped down to just Lina and a ringing guitar. The captivating urgency of the jangling riff morphs and twists as the singer pushes the track on with intense urgency, holding you in the moment, waiting for the inevitable stabs of heaviness. When it comes, it mimics the crash of Bossu’s other band as they drop into that lurching, melodic, but sludgy sound. The atmosphere swirls, smothering you in isolation and patterns of notes that oscillate between crushing walls of noise and driving guitar that sparkles as they build and release the tension.
exploring discomfort in an attempt to find peaceful release…
Immediately, the black metal rush of New Moon shares a similar tone to Lord Mantis man Andrew Markuszewski’s Devil With No Name, all stately guitar work and thundering drums. The singing is clean and low, like a mournful cry from some other realm, before exploding into throat-shredding rasps that batter against the groove. The track has moments of solid rhythmical hooks when they take their foot off the pedal to let it breathe. The back and forth between the anguished cries and savage barks brings a woozy sense of melody and texture.
Peeling Cycle starts with more ringing notes and low, scratchy vocals that cast an ominous shadow on the coming proceedings. When the thump of the drums and scything riffing start, the tempo prowls and stomps. Lina then stretches her vocals, straining as she intones the title before gargled screams envelop the emotions and contrast with the beauty of the lead work. As the song grows, it becomes a writhing, tumultuous boiling rage before the shuddering, abrupt stop.
Final track, Contemplation, starts with a high energy as the bright, soaring tremolo guitar notes play off the driving bass lines. The band builds towards the heavy pulse of the verses, and when they turn the screw, the vocals become more unhinged as Lina seethes with bad intentions. Once again, the textures clash with the jarring and discordant melodies of the guitar as the track spirals towards a cacophonous climactic end.
Having been unfamiliar with Predatory Void before this review, I have to say this short EP was the perfect sampler, and I immediately rushed to get their debut. Atoned In Metamorphosis showcases the sonic depth of the band and their quest to manipulate the listener, twisting them this way and that, exploring discomfort in an attempt to find peaceful release.
I’d almost be drawn to use some unspeakably rude word to describe how much I enjoyed it….
Label: Pelagic Records
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Mark Hunt-Bryden
