Band: Zythaex
Album: Devouring Principal
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Country: International
Label: Independent
Released: September 22, 2025
Introduction
Zythaex is a project born from the collaboration of Hungarian vocalist BAL, and Icelandic multi-instrumentalist JTL.
Devouring Principal
This album consists of one monolithic 35 minute long track. Sonically it is very reminiscent of the likes of Akhlys and Nightbringer. Weaving together dissonant guitar riffs, ambient soundscapes and nightmare inducing vocals into an impressive debut release.
Like peering into the abyssal void, its vast, dark and infinitely bleak. A disturbing cacophony of horror, like a thousand screaming souls within the pits of hell. Shifting between waves of atmospheric, avant-garde black metal, haunting ambient instrumentals and back again. The whole track itself is a lovecraftian fueled atmosphere. It’s heavy, dark and unsettling.
As much as I appreciate the concept and execution here, having one 35 minute long track makes the album feel like a bit of a run on experience at times. Personally I enjoyed the album for what it is. But it also limits its accessibility to listeners as there are some who would simply pass this listen up because of its daunting length. I almost feel it would have been better suited broken down into a couple of longer tracks with smaller ambient intermissions in-between.
That being said however, it’s an incredible piece of art. Bal‘s vocals are terrifying and the instrumentation and production are top-notch. The album as a whole is the equivalent of standing at the edge of a black hole. Devoid of all light within its fathomless dark, hopeless and crushing. It’s an impressive undertaking and an excellent debut.
Conclusion
Fans of the avant-garde, or dissonant black metal in the vein of Akhlys and Nightbringer will surely love this. It’s an impressive listen and not for the faint of heart of those without the patience to absorb what is offered here.
BMZ Rating: 7 out of 10
Support Zythaex here: https://zythaex.bandcamp.com/album/devouring-principle
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