Sarcophagum‘s sludgy rumble, at first impression at least, offers little of novelty or indeed anything of note to divert the senses. One might almost say that this is an artist that is truly a sum of it’s influences and surroundings, set to provide listeners with a quintessential Australian extreme music experience.

But first impressions rarely satisfy, and thus it is with this artist; Repeated immersion in the quartet of pieces that comprise The Grand Arc of Madness reveals much to enjoy, and many moments where Madness itself appears to be harnessed in the service of art. In particular the final piece, which serves as title track, displays a feel and finesse that the cognoscenti will know as authentic to the very fibres of it’s core. Here, the artist explores every avenue of pain, every twitch of paranoia and, in it’s final stanza, seemingly offers a survey of the sheer hopelessness of a human psyche resigned to the capitulation of the soul. Madness indeed in musical form.

Each listener’s response to this music will differ vastly, and this reviewer is fully cognisant that the summary provided may be wholly incorrect when placed against those belonging to the creator; In this instance it is possible – some might say preferable – to simply assess the music on merits musical rather than philosophical, and here it is possible to state, unequivocally, that devotees of extreme music will find plenty within the four tracks provided to enjoy.

Extreme music should always carry the capacity to move physically as well as emotionally, or intellectually, and here the artist proves time and again that it is possible to do all three within the comparatively narrow confines of form or genre afforded by terms such as ‘black’ or ‘death’ metal. With this in mind I have no compunction whatsoever in recommending this work to anybody with an interest in either, both, or those for whom the expression of grief and suffering finds it’s finest, most sharply observed moment within the coruscating rush of plectrum striking steel.

The Grand Arc of Madness releases on December 6th.