Review: Yaldabaoth “That Which Wets the Saccharine Palate” [Aesthetic Death]

Yaldabaoth (Alaska, US) is embedded in influence by 50% Black Metal inspiration and 50% progressive chord surf. While not what I would call “symphonic” and they are not, the riffs heard in many of their songs bear a similar vibe I recall hearing on early Obtained Enslavement recordings except these are without the “on your face” keyboards. Voi-Vod, while intentionally used as a reference or not, as it does appear in spirit and I do hear parts that are reminiscent of the Canadian masters. The production sounds clear and pristine, this I am not too keen on as I feel that they could have drawn benefit from something less polished and attempt to keep it a bit more accessible to others who could enjoy the musicianship but not the over clean mix of the songs. A good album but something that would only appeal to fans of musical progressive changes and melodic approaches tightly packed into one container with little elbow room. One thing to observe is that while the compositions are tight and well thought-out, personally, they are not catchy and memorable. I will imagine this does fill the cups of many people who enjoy this sort of material and if you are looking for rawer, face ripping Black Metal, this is not it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1hzEwYjYHU

Release date: February 29th, 2020

https://www.aestheticdeath.com/releases.php?mode=singleitem&albumid=4518