Mesarthim Anthropic Bias / Departure

By now Mesarthim needs no introduction: the anonymous duo going by . and . originated in Australia in 2015, but has long since left planet Earth to reach the farthest galaxies. With this latest output, Avantgarde Music wants to bring together the two latest stand-alonge singles released by the duo, which haven't found any distribution outside of the band's own Bandcamp yet. The result is a 38-minute release that perfectly shows the most recent wanderings of the band. Anthropic Bias (2022) explores themes of cosmic significance and existential philosophy, echoing the idea of humanity's tendency to see the universe as centered around itself. The music itself is a fusion of icy, tremolo-picked guitar riffs, blast beats, and haunting, atmospheric synth layers. It carries an otherworldly mood, drifting between aggression and contemplation. The song also incorporates electronic elements and ambient interludes, which provide a vast, ethereal soundscape. This single is both relentless and meditative, capturing Mesarthim's ability to craft immersive, spacey atmospheres while retaining black metal's raw intensity. Departure (2024) leans heavily into the band's cosmic themes, evoking feelings of journeying through space or leaving behind something familiar. The track opens with a somber and almost melancholic tone, gradually building into a massive, swirling blend of distorted guitars and atmospheric keys. The song shifts through dynamic phases, from soaring melodies to intense, fast-paced sections. Like much of Mesarthim's work, Departure utilizes synth layers to create a celestial, almost dreamlike atmosphere, suggesting both the awe and isolation of venturing into the unknown. The track serves as a contemplative journey, fitting with the title's theme of departure and escape. Mesarthim's Anthropic Bias / Departure will see the light on December 13th, 2024, via Avantgarde Music on CD, LP and digital.