ENDSPACE - First Contact

I’ve taken a closer look at "First Contact," the debut album from Canadian sci-fi black metal newcomers Endspace. I’m sure the album will come across as quite unusual to those unfamiliar with this particular style. As always, before getting into the album details, I’d like to briefly tell you about the band. The group’s two main members, 040118180514 and 102119200914 (Friends, they’re creating a bit of a mystery here. When these number sequences are decoded using the A1Z26 cipher, the names that emerge are DARREN and JUSTIN.), are also members of the Canadian death metal band Fractal Generator, and they perform all the instruments on this album themselves.

The album is the band’s first full-length release. Although the synths, digital arrangements, and vocals on the album sound as if they were performed by an alien, they are entirely their own work. The album’s concept is built around creating the feeling of music made by extraterrestrial beings, and in this respect, it more than deserves to be categorized as sci-fi and futuristic black metal.

Set for release on October 2, the album places black metal elements firmly at the forefront; however, its style and song arrangements are by no means rooted in classic black metal conventions. Electronic elements take center stage. In this respect, I’m sure it will surprise the average black metal listener. On the other hand, if you’re familiar with space-themed black metal bands such as Labyrinthus Stellarum and Vorga, two of the better-known names in this style, I have no doubt that the album will pique your interest.

The album genuinely feels as though it was recorded in space and transmitted from there. I have to say that it succeeds remarkably well in this regard. Ultimately, the best way to approach this album is with the knowledge that it is a concept-driven work. In other words, I’d say I’m essentially shaping my assessment in comparison with other bands in this particular style. Throughout every track, they have really done everything they can to make you feel as though you’re deep in the reaches of space, and their success in creating this sound is truly commendable. The album’s originality and suitability within the genre are beyond question.

The album consists of nine tracks, all titled "Transmission". Every one of them makes you feel as though you’re deep in space, surrounded by a chaotic environment, throughout its entire runtime. My personal favorites are the fourth and eighth tracks. I would absolutely recommend these two songs to all metal fans, whether they’re familiar with the style or not. They could be a good starting point for getting an initial impression of the band or sci-fi black metal.

In short, what we have here is a highly intriguing release that certainly won’t disappoint those already interested in this kind of thing, but that listeners approaching it with a "What the hell is this? Let me give it a listen" attitude may find difficult to get into. For those who enjoy experimental forms of black metal, I’d call it a new gem. I think you should definitely give this dark sound from the depths of space a chance in your playlists.

Stay metal!

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