Created as a means of exploring the contradictions inherent in a contemporary capitalist world, the Glaswegian avant-garde black metal act presents challenging and abrasive musical textures in a progressive, post-black metal framework.
ASHENSPIRE debuted in 2017 on Code666 records with Speak Not of the Laudanum Quandary, a critique of British Imperialism. The new album Hostile Architecture is a commentary on the widening of the inconceivably vast wealth gap between capitalists and the working class, and growing alienation between one another as subjects. Musically the outfit create alluring and yet disturbing soundscapes which develop as the album progresses. Grounding the mood with intense dissonance and distortion, jazz influences and ethereal violin parts construct a stark contrast. The discomforting chaos emerges through contrapuntal melodies such as those used in "BÉTON BRUT". Manipulating dynamics amid tracks, and throughout Hostile Architecture, enhances the emotional anguish of ASHENSPIRE's powerful message. With an almost serene tone, the beautiful choir in "HOW THE MIGHTY HAVE VISION" diverges significantly from the darker sounds that dominate elsewhere.
Hostile Architecture sees ASHENSPIRE leaning further into avant-garde jazz tendencies and black metal dissonance in a more full realisation of their own sprechstimme. Engaging with evolving compositional styles and experimental techniques, ASHENSPIRE are cultivating exceptional music.
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