Terrestrial Hospice - Caviary to the General (2023)

Black metal band from Poland.
Codec WMA Lossless

Although firmly resting on timeless black metal foundations set in stone decades ago, the temple raised upon it is one of perverted unorthodoxy. The mesmerising ritualistic malice of 90s «golden era» of black metal is contrasted by subtle nuances ranging from classic metal to more atmospheric music traditions.
The most striking quality of “Caviary to the General” is the incredible musicianship on display. Terrestrial Hospice is a passion project courtesy of two long-time scene veterans, neither of whom appear to have lost their feral hunger for the blackest of metal. Inferno’s penetrative carpetbombing percussion is almost machine-like during the faster hypnotic parts, but he switches effortlessly to a pulsating and distinctly alive feel as things slow down. This creates the perfect backdrop for Skyggen’s swarms of smothering distortion – filled to the brim with haunting riffs and masterful leads that sound evocative without employing much melody.
While “Caviary to the General” is anything but ‘old-school’ or ‘retro’, such comparisons are inevitable due to its sound. Recorded with a range of vintage instruments and amps, all framed in an appropriate production, there is nothing ‘modern’ about its soundscape. Not due to lo-fi noise stemming from primitive equipment and sub-par engineering skills – but rather a vibrant sonic darkness expertly curated by someone who clearly understands this music.
Formed in 2018, Terrestrial Hospice soon caught the attention of Shadow Records, a Swedish cult label that to this day is known for being highly selective about whom they work with. Encouraged by the reception of Terrestrial Hospice’s debut release, an EP called “Universal Hate Speech”, the duo started working on their debut album. Two years of focused work culminated in the critically acclaimed 2020 debut “Indian Summer Brought Mushroom Clouds”.
The band commented: „Caviary to the General” is the ultimate statement of Terrestrial Hospice; it is without question our most conscious and mature work to date. It reflects everything the band stands for and all that we have experienced since our debut album.

Tracklist:
1. Rat in a Burning Cage
2. In The Streams of Phlegethon
3. December Night
4. Extinction Delight
5. Verminous Spawn
6. The Last Dance
7. Memoir
8. Path to Mahasamadhi
9. Ars Moriendi

Personnel:
Inferno - Drums, Guitars, Bass
Skyggen - Vocals, Guitars, Bass