Philly black metal duo Antihælix formed somewhat unassumingly, releasing their debut EP in 2021. It was a hint that the two musicians, who themselves have spent decades into the black metal underground, could make something unique and special. That something is A Serpentine Staircase Into Oblivion, the debut full-length from Antihælix.
There’s a lot to wrap one’s head around on A Serpentine Staircase but the most apparent is the way guitarist Imperatus writes and performs. There are riffs both ripping and melodic to be found on the album (and usually the same song) but the guitarist approaches riffs in a way that they spiral as they unfold. It creates a hallucinatory atmosphere, present heavily throughout but especially on songs like “Snorting the Ashes of Dead Planets” or epic album closer “Discovering the Sceptre of Forgotten Gods.”
Pairing that atmosphere with precise musicianship, impassioned drumming and vocals that come from all angles was a winning move for Antihælix—A Serpentine Staircase is tricky, challenging and holds plenty of secrets upon its first few listens.
Speaking about the album, Antihælix told Decibel:
“In holographic hallucination we are reborn.
“Evolved, and evolving – in the self symmetry of the ancient & eternal.
“We are the cosmos examining itself. Peering into the vortex of irreverent fright with the unflinching gaze of the almighty. The only choice to ever be made – are we the victors of our own lives, or the victims to the perpetual uncertainty of a half-hearted survival?
“Enfolded by the monomyth, we heed the call of escapade and tear into the fabric of the valiant beyond.”
Heed the call to hear A Serpentine Staircase Into Oblivion below. It’s out now via the band.
The post Full Album Stream: Antihælix – “A Serpentine Staircase Into Oblivion” appeared first on Decibel Magazine.