Avery Dart's ambient/black metal project, Escaping Aghartha, presents its latest offering, 'Lurkers of Languid Waters', a concept album centered around the plight of eels. Dart's intention is clear: to raise awareness and funds for the conservation of freshwater anguillid eels, a species threatened by overfishing. The album's narrative follows the eel's life cycle, from its journey to the Sargasso Sea to its eventual death, mirroring the species' struggles. However, the execution leaves much to be desired.
The album's opening track, 'Eel Black Market', sets an unsettling tone with its erratic guitar tones and unappealing vocal choices. The song's 16-minute duration fails to engage, with its hooks lacking impact. The use of synths and bubble noises further contributes to a sense of being trapped in a fish tank, a metaphor that resonates with the eel's natural habitat. Dart's vocal delivery, ranging from tolerable to unlistenable, adds to the discomfort, with snarls becoming incomprehensible and grating.
'The Phantoms that Haunt and Linger' and 'Eaten to Obliteration' offer glimpses of experimental brilliance, incorporating bell chimes and a nightmarish buzzing segment. However, these sections feel added without musical purpose, resembling random noise. The album's second half, starting with 'Transformations', introduces a more musical and purposeful approach. The use of synths and trems creates an uplifting, triumphant mood, mirroring the eel's final journey to the Sargasso Sea. Yet, at 12 minutes, 'Journey to the Sargasso Sea' feels slightly excessive.
Despite its ambitious concept, 'Lurkers of Languid Waters' struggles to find its footing. The album's genre-shifting nature, while intriguing, fails to create a cohesive and engaging listening experience. Dart's intention to spark interest and action is commendable, but the execution falls short. The album's intolerable nature and lack of musical cohesion may deter listeners, making it a chore to endure. The reviewer's rating of 1.5/5.0 reflects the album's shortcomings, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach to achieve its intended purpose.
