The brazenly original Litosth is the creation of Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Maicon Ristow and bassist Wendel Siota. Founded in 2016, they have been able to combine their experience within the subterranean of Extreme black metal into an original coalescence of ideas and ideology that their new album Cesariana presents.
Extravagant is the only description that fits Litosth’s third offering to the masses. Is it multitextured, yet nimble, compelling in its design and execution. Not a simple listen, but a complex arrangement of ideas that are presented flawlessly that has the project transcending the original tropes of extreme black metal. It is a vision that is dark yet inviting, capturing the very essence of the genre yet also unafraid to blur its edges into new forms. The classical orchestrations are as important as the hellish tremolo riffing that is savage in its attack. At times cosmic this is black metal steeped in grandeur and drama yet delve further into its depths and some traces of doom appear, eighties style metal dynamics and the briefest flourishes of dark pop. ‘’ Time Doesn´t Heal’’,’’ The Clay Messiah’’ and ‘’ The Argonaut’’ are mere examples of artistry designed to surprise and create music for the maximum effect with excellent musicianship and a flair for the dramatic. Some of the symphonic orchestrations are both bold and creative yet never lose that extreme edge.
Deeply rewarding Cesariana is a celebration of artistic freedom and expression. Wild and overbearing Litosth continue to intensely propel the genre forward into new realms that bear the DNA of its past yet are not encumbered by it. It is a glorious cacophony of sound and image-inducing creativity that causes you to get lost within its grasp. A deeply rich and satisfying experience.
Litosth: Facebook
Release Year: 2023
Label: Personal Records
Category: Album
Country: Brazil
Reviewed by Sparky
