Gate Master "Gate Master" (2020)

Mightily impressed by In Pursuit Of Forbidden Knowledge's clandestine spell, I had to return to this projects origin four years prior. Sadly, this obscure record doesn't yield much beyond the opening Dungeon Synth track, Tides Of Aeons, a lonesome rumination on esoteric melody, powered by distant drums and a dank airy drone. Its atmospheric spell is intriguing, balancing mysticism with a sense of distant danger. 

Beyond it, the intent feels clear, to use harsh low fidelity aesthetics as its weapon of wonder. The clattering drums and wretched vocals of Sacrificial Summoning come with little musical strength to back it up, simply deploying played out Black Metal tropes. After it, the rest of the music focuses on atmosphere through unsettling noise and dense drone. Obscure fuzzes, obtuse distortions and sizzling static fill out space.

I appreciate the effort but these cheapened sound design choices didn't chime bright. Rather, they become its biggest burden. Exposing a lack of thematic depth to inherently explain these choices. With little to latch onto beyond its strange and soothing opening ambience, I had little investment in continuing to listen.

 

Rating: 3/10

Gate Master "In Pursuit Of Forbidden Knowledge" (2024)

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