This article explores the unique sound of Fifth To Infinity’s “Omnipotent Transdimensional Soulfire,” providing a beginner’s guide to transdimensional metal. Discover how this Swedish band blends blackened doom with progressive death metal.
Defining “Transcendental Metal of Death”
Fifth To Infinity describes their sound as “Transcendental Metal of Death.” But what does that mean? This translates to a dark and atmospheric mix of blackened doom and progressive death metal. Think heavy, but more focused on creating a gloomy, oppressive environment than outright brutality. This atmosphere comes from intricate drumming, complex bass lines, and jarring riffs. It’s a journey into the depths of sonic darkness.
A Track-by-Track Exploration
Let’s delve into the album “Omnipotent Transdimensional Soulfire” track by track.
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“Vindar från de osaligas ängder”: This track immediately signals that this isn’t your typical death metal album. Its pseudo-classical, dissonant melodies set the stage for something different.
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“Reapers Wake”: A jazzy crawl and crunch define this song. The unusual combination of chunky riffs, impulsive bass, and proggy drumming evokes the experimental sound of Sadus, but with a darker, gloomier tone.
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“Masters Unbound”: This track increases the heaviness with pounding riffs and blackened growls reminiscent of ex-Marduk/ex-Witchery vocalist Legion. It balances this with prog-inspired ambience, adding to the song’s bleakness.
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“The Fall of the Seven”: Velocity takes center stage here, with Martin Lopez (ex-Opeth) delivering powerful drumming beneath tremolo runs and dissonant chords. The desolate finale hints at the influence of Tom G. Warrior.
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“The Will to Harm”: This track is even darker, building upon the influence of latter-day Celtic Frost with palpably evil intent. The dense chord progressions and minimalist melodies create a creeping sense of dread.
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“Death Will Wake Us All”: Raw and punishing, this song recalls Nidingr with its caustic guitar tone and mix of dissonant riffs and tremolo melodies. The result is an eruption of Blackened-Prog-Death misanthropy.
Photo by Jonte Wentzel. The band’s image reflects their dark, experimental sound.
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“Secrets of the Bottom”: Striking bass work and chilling melodies offer immediate hooks. The track morphs into a proggy showcase of misshapen riffs and stomping drums, creating a feeling of soul-crushing misery.
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“The Promise of Abyss”: A macabre Blackened Doom track, laced with dismal melodies and shrouded in desolation. The dragging crawl provides the perfect setup for the album’s closer.
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“The Blessings of Annihilation”: This monolithic closer is a slow-burning Black Metal anthem and Doom-laden hymn of desolation. The combination of massive riffs, compelling hooks, and unexpected twists encapsulates the album’s unique sound. This song is a perfect example of transdimensional metal’s ability to blend genres and create something truly unique.
Why This Matters: Defining Transdimensional Metal
“Omnipotent Transdimensional Soulfire” offers a beginner’s guide to transdimensional metal by showcasing how different elements – doom, death, black metal, and progressive elements – can be fused into a coherent and compelling whole. Fifth To Infinity’s experiment creates an unsettling yet captivating sonic experience.
Conclusion: A Startling Discovery
“Omnipotent Transdimensional Soulfire” is a staggeringly bleak and creative album. It is a powerful experience for listeners interested in exploring metal’s outer boundaries. Discover more at https://avantgardemusic.bandcamp.com/album/omnipotent-transdimensional-soulfire and https://www.facebook.com/Fifth.to.Infinity/. This album will hopefully inspire more creative, cathartic, and crushing music in the future.
