If you're into de/opp-ressive black metal, and like... who isn't? then you're already a massive Xasthur fan... And so, you're already overwhelmingly aware of the fact that no outfit or individual in the Black Metal community, absolutely no one, is capable of reflecting and drawing the listener in to such a near tangible presence of distress...
The Xasthur record in question, 2005 Demo, is two lost, completed demo tracks that were recorded prior to the time that Subliminal Genocide was... and in a sense these two previously unavailable recordings come across like a much belated extension of Subliminal Genocide. And that record rules, so that's good news, right? Hydra Head has since mastered 2005 Demo so the listen will be enjoyable for Black Metal heads across the board, not just completest kids with b-side collections from here to Asgard.
Probably the heaviest and more death metal-ish of the Leviathan albums, but still weird and disturbing as fuck. Still some good ambient moments to enjoy too. Caleb Slay
The Best Batushka album so far. A Black Metal Classic!!!
There are few albums that I can listen to from start to finish without skipping a track and this is on the top of the list. You almost have to listen to the album as a whole.
Do yourself a favor and buy this album
The true follow up to this album is Krzysztof Drabikowski Панихида (Panihida). Bart's Раскол / Raskol EP is also a good follow up to this album as well just not as close as Panihida sounds.
10/10 ChrestusV
An outstanding slab of atmospheric black metal, “Sisyphus” cannily blends texture and terror for a gripping final product. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 7, 2021