| In 2001, Mike Blenkarn and Brooke Johnson collaborated to record over two hours of drudgy, lurid soundscapes, but ultimately found result unsatisfying. While it was clear that they had created something worthwhile, unfortunate sampling prevented the duo from attaining exactly what they wanted. Meanwhile, another band, the whipping black metal The Axis Of Perdition, pulled their focus away. Aside from a couple tracks on a split release in 2002, Pulsefear laid dormant for the next few years. Then, in 2006, the project was reborn. The artists removed the shoddy samples, added additional textures, and glossed the sound through proper mixing. 50+ minutes spread over 5 tracks, Pericoresis finally brings forth the artists audial vision. The album was quickly picked up by the excellent Profound Lore Records and was released in mid-2007.
Pericoresis opens with “Gauze” as echoes of heavy low sounds build a muddy foundation while scampering highs convulse overtop. The piece slowly climbs forward as whines of guitar stack into a wall of audio. “Lighthouse pt1” continues down the same path as sonic washes and reverberated tones fill a darkly howling space. Midway through the track, punches of sound start to force their way through the mist to the forefront. Sounding like blocks of wood smacking together, the rhythmic noise is intentionally slow and creepy. It is a feeling that never retracts, regardless of how the music changes as the album progresses. After two more songs of perpetual apprehension, the album comes to a climatic ending with “Under”. Thick noise drones through deep breathing layers of feedback while metallic claps stumble underneath.
Every aspect of this album is expertly mixed. The threatening hisses, menacing smacks, and abrasive feedback give this album an impressive depth of atmosphere. Hints of the groups other band, The Axis Of Perdition, lie underneath this record, but the two acts are only faintly similar. Pulsefear will be more attractive to fans of Atrium Carceri and Raison d'ętre. They are also akin to Sunn O))), Wolf Eyes, and Lustmord.
If there was a sound used to define horror, this would be it. Dark, rough, and freakishly uncomfortable, Perichoresis is a triumph in industrial-ambience. Reviewed
by: Richie Corelli
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