Scott Conner, the mind behind black-metal-turned-acid-folk project Xasthur, has bridged together over 25 years worth of dismal music experimentation. With roots that date back to 1995, Conner established his sound by creating a sonic resemblance to that of the second wave of Norwegian black metal.
However, his ability to impart deeply rooted feelings of rejection and despair is what really set Xasthur apart from other acts employing similar sounds. The agonizing shrieks and somber melodies that bled through each Xasthur recording up until 2016’s Subject to Change, all contributed to the enveloping atmosphere of grief Conner has continuously conjured.
Almost as if by design, the doomed, funereal and acoustic-riddled nature of 2010’s Portal of Sorrow subsided into a six year hiatus of what would become Conner’s transition into a more folk-inspired writing style. As the title of Xasthur’s returning album Subject to Change would suggest, Conner switched gears musically, though his despondent spirit remained concrete.
Now functioning as a trio, Xasthur is still grieving in many respects, centering their heartache around the misery associated with the downtrodden and impoverished conditions of American society. On July 9, Xasthur will be releasing Victims of the Times via Lupus Lounge/Prophecy Productions. The latest recording sees Xasthur stripped down and more vulnerable than ever, as entangling acoustics weave together 22 poignant tracks.
As the sonic elements of Xasthur continue to acoustically mutate, the intense emotions that fueled earlier works are all still present, just with different audible representations. Feelings of betrayal and having the soul sucked right out of you are bolstered by multilayered acoustics in opener “Same Old Suspects.”
A spinning web of string work graces interlude “Dust of What Was,” and continues to keep Victims of the Times glued together throughout instrumental works such as, “Medieval Acid Folk,” “Reality is the Unknown,” “A Future to Fear,” “Home is Nowhere,” and a few more. Tracks like these are a large part of what makes this album most entrancing.
As droning synths seep into the terminally ill atmosphere, the acid-folk road trip digs deeper into the Xasthur psyche. Conner’s personal experience with losing his home throughout the making of this record and a careful observation of his wandering situation, all fed into the agony expressed across “Victims of the Times,” “Digital Beast,” and “Voluntary Prisoners.” Conner’s point of view shifts from his old state of reclusion to a drifter’s place of empathy for those left behind in society.
Conner reveals heavy and honest emotions through a voice that comes across completely shaken. Not the most pleasant or classically trained voice by any means, but one that communicates a deep sense of uneasiness triggered by his traveling observations. While slightly resembling a musical chemistry similar to that of Staley and Cantrell of Alice In Chains, Conner, along with contributing members Chris and Joe, are able to create a spellbinding, yet dooming form of bluegrass.
Through incongruous chords and slithering bass lines, tracks like “Mirror in the Face,” “Mirrormindfuck,” and “Ghost of an Excuse,” put an emphasis on the idea of reflection, from both the self and outward perspective. The bulk of this record holds a mirror towards the shattered aspects of our society, addressing the inequalities and inconsistencies that are associated with the depraved behaviors of humans in general, but especially those who are given power.
Although there’s a part of me that wishes this album was entirely instrumental, I understand how Conner’s frazzled voice strengthens the sense of sadness that lurks behind each lyric. Songs about destroyed personal relationships, diminished human value, walking a path that is your own, the meaninglessness of worshipping entertainers, exploitation, fake personalities, and death, all reinforce the foundation that upholds Victims of the Times.
The theatrics we’ve come to associate with black metal have been long abandoned by Xasthur. Still fueled by a strong desire to go against expectation and tradition, musical integrity remains at the core of Xasthur’s writing process. With well over ten, full-length records worth of material, on top of numerous other split/single releases, Xasthur shows a dissimilar evolution through Victims of the Times. Although shocking on the surface, this psychedelic folk route for Xasthur provides a more transparent way for Conner to communicate his story and his true feelings.
Order Victims of the Times here.
Listen to Victims of the Times here.