Review: “Burnt Offering” by Pessimystic

A concept record that contemplates divine retribution and conjures the apocalyptic imagery enshrined in the human psyche, “Burnt Offering” sounds ominous before we get to the fact that the Blackened Death Metal band that created it are shrouded in mystery. What we can say is that the collective hail from Ottawa, Ontario Canada while the record was mixed and mastered by Topon Das at Apt 2 Recording (F*** the Facts, Deformatory, Eclipser). Why do they keep their identities secret? It is claimed that there are no secret musicians or hidden stories but a choice to adopt a strictly minimalistic approach in the presentation of their music. They have however made their live debut and performed as a three piece…

…there is a powerful, momentous energy to opening cut “Conquer the Pantheon” given to it by a thunderous kit performance which is off-set by distinctive, melodic and arpeggiated Black Metal guitars, the intention to create something well rounded as obvious as a star in the night sky. Aggressive and yet restrained, the vocal bark provides a lyrical narrative about humanities relationship with the divine without deviating into any form of idle worship. Instead this feels like a potent history lesson that is about to get very bloody very quickly with the reality masked in ancient texts revealed in all its dark glory. That begins to unfold with “Visions“, a cut that immerses in dark melodies with the occasional intricate patter while the drums drive them forward like the whip of a slave driver. The screamed vocals are less harsh on this one giving them a more emotive quality while the radiance of the instrumentals is incredible.

Eerie warped guitars give title track “Burnt Offering” a sense of tension that is broken by an unexpected Progressive Metal solo, a moment of musicianship that confirms there is more to them than meets the eye at first glance. A song about sacrifice through self immolation in order to be absorbed into unity with God, it feels chillingly psychedelic as if there is going to be a big reveal that it is Satan who whispers into the ear of the protagonist, driving him into the depths of madness and despair. Underneath the Metal shell, it feels like there is something of a more theatrical nature and by this point it becomes air apparent that the band could be creating something of greater epic magnitude in the future.

Skull crushing death growls and Doom soaked Death Metal guitars change the direction of the sonic assault on the senses for “Crystalline” with a real sense of depravity. An artillery shelling from the kit reminds us this is indeed the same band, as does the second coming of the warped sounding guitars. The transitions between passages are slick and this very much feels like the work of accomplished musicians who haven’t admitted to prior convictions in order that this record be judged on its strengths alone. Unsettling enough to leave the weak minded gripping the pillow tight, “Omnipresent Malevolence” sets humanity on a path of total annihilation in unorthodox fashion. Foreboding and dark the cut is nothing short of mesmerising as it poses many questions that remain unanswered with blistering intensity… [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Conquer the Pantheon
2. Visions
3. Burnt Offering
4. Crystalline
5. Omnipresent Malevolence

“Burnt Offering” by Pessimystic is out 24th November 2023 and is available over at bandcamp.