Gate Master makes an impressive introduction attuned to my tastes! In Pursuit Of Forbidden Knowledge plays as a mysterious exploration of esoteric fringes. Pulling at either ends of the spectrum, spurts of ferocious low fidelity Black Metal chime off against lonesome Dungeon Synth wanderings. Accompanied by worldly renaissance voicings strikingly akin to Brendan Perry of Dead Can Dance. Such a treat!
So to does guest vocalist Anabelle Iratni conjure such immersive suggestions. Her record opener performance of wretched witchy howls and spectral screams over haunted gong strikes creates a bold opening statement. Proceeded by the title track, we are plunged into a raw descent of gritty distortion, some Sabbath-esq evil melody lurches over its sluggish Doom guitar riffs that erupt into a frenzy of 80s extremity.
These shades of darkness do return again. The Parallax fuses some classic heathen Bathory vibes into its stride. However the rest of these blasphemous offerings drift into a meditative strain, where its mystical instruments skirt the occult, landing within an arcane, curious limbo. A niche that gets me every time, especially when so masterfully executed as done here. In Pursuit Of Forbidden Knowledge may be rough around the edges, a blemished gem but what lies beneath its rugged exterior, entrances and encapsulates one with excellent song writing and a distinct vison of darkness.
Rating: 7/10