Predatory Void - "Seven Keys to the Discomfort of Being"

The anguish of a generation

For the last decade, and probably longer, generational angst has been a collective in-joke for millennials and elder Zoomers. Frustration at the futility of existence and the grind within a capitalistic society, especially for those who suffer from depression, anxiety, and related ailments, has to be joked about. Whether that takes the form of ‘pterodactyl screeches’, pleas to the void, or the desire to shed one’s meatsack, the jokes provide a necessary outlet and an opportunity to commiserate.

If you aren’t sure what I’m talking about right away, allow me to remind you of Bo Burnham’s “Inside”.

Why is establishing this point important to this album review? Because it’s the whole mood, man. Check out the track titles for the album, which, again, bears the title Seven Keys to the Discomfort of Being:

This album exudes the very concept of the world-weary, depressed/anxious, jaded young adult. And album opener “Grovel” includes lyrics to help set that tone in the first verse:

The dark gives comfort
Safe and warm
The light disturbs
Makes my blood boil

All of this is reinforced by Predatory Void’s sound, which, to be frank, is well outside of my usual comfort zone.

Predatory Void utilizes a blend of several Metal genres. Most specifically, this involves Death, Black, and Sludge. Now, I love Sludge Metal, and that comes through excellently in the instrumentation, which is muddied and deep, and it’s often hard to tell which instrument is on exactly which part because it’s all kind of mashed together.

Like sludge. Thus the name.

But Black and Death both rely upon harsh vocals. The list I pulled this album from stated “Mixed” vocals. And there are clean vox on the album, but there’s a very heavy skew (like 80/20) towards the harsh vocals. It definitely fits the mood of the album and its weighty subject matter.

But as much as I enjoy a good pterodactyl screech, it doesn’t make for anything I would consider enjoyable in terms of music.

Allow me to emphasize: personally.

With all of that said, the band has some truly brilliant moments, especially on “*(struggling)” and album closer “Funerary Vision”. The rolling double-kick drives the band in its heavier moments, and the guitar line largely maintains this patient and mournful atmosphere, occasionally shifting into a much sharper, more technical mode. The higher guitar, that is. There’s a lower-tuned guitar, as well, which works in unison with both the other guitarist and the bass. This one is often on rhythm, but sometimes also pushes the melody forward, and it’s a great balance.

Especially for a band’s debut album. According to Metal Archives, every member has experience in other acts, but to find such cohesion in a new band so quickly is impressive.

The track I enjoyed the most, of course, is the mid-album three-and-a-half minute intermission track. It’s soothing, has only clean vocals, and is deeply enjoyable.

I will continue trying out Black and Death acts on occasion. I do think that this album is definitely something that those who enjoy those genres should give a listen to. Ultimately, it isn’t for me, but I can recognize the effort and skill of the artist.

Rating: Yellow