Barshasketh – Antinomian Asceticism (Album Review)

Release Date: January 09th 2025 - W.T.C. Productions

Barshasketh - Antinomian Asceticism

Originally hailing from Wellington NZ and relocating to Scotland after their debut Defying the Bonds of Cosmic Thraldom, Barshasketh continue their blackened journey along the left-hand path with their utterly uncompromising fifth full-length Antinomian Asceticism.

The original creation of Krigeist (now a four-piece) Antinomian Asceticism is pure black metal terror, it utterly revels in its hatred and wickedness. Complex in its creation and execution it is an album that takes further listens once the initial shock and awe approach has passed. For example” Antinomian Asceticism” is pitch black in its execution yet its outro and building atmosphere is unrelenting. “Radiant Aperture” redefines chaos in its purest form, “Lebenswelt Below” has the pace lower just briefly but ups the harrowing intensity. “Charnel Quietism” carries some bass fury in its mod tempo annihilation.  It is the inherent excellence of Barshasketh’s musical complexity that it can create an immediate sonic holocaust whilst carrying depth and dynamic structures with just a touch of melody to haunt the listener, the denouement that is “Exultation of Ceaseless Defiance “reeks of damnation and hopelessness the vocals.

Antinomian Asceticism is the rejection of morals and the Christian forms of asceticism, vitriolic and unrelenting. Quite possibly the blackest of metal offerings in some time, Barshasketh have conjured an unapologetic offering that celebrates its misanthropy and horrific atmosphere.

Barshasketh: Facebook

Release Year: 2025
Label: W.T.C. Productions
Category: Album
Country: New Zealand

Reviewed by Sparky