Making a switch from anarcho-punk to metal may not sound like a stretch to some, but this creative leap of faith is a brave one, nevertheless.
Further In Evil is the debut full length release from Marthe, a one woman band. Born out of a desire to express a “heavier and more atmospheric” direction, and released via Southern Lord Records, this bedroom project has blossomed into an edifice of gothic grandeur.
Biting, saturated chords, and epic crescendos, are littered across these lengthy tracks, giving way to icy chasms of chiming melody. It’s a pathway to a well of sorrow and pain. Dare you set foot through the gateway? Marthe accepts this quest and stares grief and torment in the face. Alone, and emboldened by the solitude, a new enlightenment is discovered. Monsters are tamed and a battle cry is declared on the eleven minute opener:
”For the blood of my fights . For all those silents words . For all your unraised swords. I’m everything, everywhere, forever . I ride alone”
It’s a prelude to a chronicle of vividly detailed emotional tumult, matched by a pitch black soundtrack. Finishing on a neatly realised cover of Siouxsie & The Banshees ‘Sin In My Heart’, you’ll know you’ve been on a punishing journey.
Unflinching, and rich with imagery, one can envisage how Italian horror movies may have had an impact on this sweeping blood and guts metal tempest.
