Drought cover

Drought

Deathspell Omega · 2012

21 min · 6 tracks · black metal

An unsettling exploration of dissonance, chaos, and existential dread wrapped in complex rhythms and haunting melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Salowe Vision — Opening the EP, this track sets a foreboding tone with its dissonant chords and relentless pacing, encapsulating the thematic essence of despair.
  • →
    Fiery Serpents — This track features an intense juxtaposition of aggressive riffs and atmospheric elements, showcasing the band's ability to intertwine chaos with melody.
  • →
    Abrasive Swirling Murk — Through its dense layering and shifting tempos, this track exemplifies the chaotic aesthetic that characterizes Drought, leaving listeners in a state of unease.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

69 /100
Alpine
Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

Drought showcases complex structures and a unique sound that pushes black metal boundaries while maintaining cohesion.

What we noticed

  • Vocals are layered with effects, often obscured by the instrumentation, creating a sense of chaos rather than clarity.
  • The final track incorporates a gradual build-up of intensity, culminating in an abrupt end that leaves the listener in silence.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • unsettling explorations of chaos
  • brief bursts of existential dread
  • haunting melodies with complex rhythms
  • immersive headphone detail hunting

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer uplifting, cheerful sounds
  • seek straightforward, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2012, Drought is Deathspell Omega's follow-up to their critically acclaimed album Paracletus. At this point, the band had firmly established themselves as leaders in avant-garde black metal, continuing to push genre boundaries with their intricate compositions and philosophical themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Leviathan· Blut Aus Nord· Imperial Triumphant

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Fiery Serpents

    In a crucial passage, the lyrics shift from abstract imagery to stark declarations about existence and suffering.

    This transition amplifies the emotional weight of the song, creating a stark contrast that heightens the listener's engagement with its themes.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Salowe Vision 3:45
  • 2 Fiery Serpents 4:15
  • 3 Scorpions & Drought 3:10
  • 4 Sand 1:40
  • 5 Abrasive Swirling Murk 3:50
  • 6 The Crackled Book of Life 4:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata