Bestial Mouths - RESURRECTEDINBLACK

It is quite interesting to look at a band's discography to see where they came from versus where they are at now. In this case, and possibly the reason you clicked on this article in the first place, is for my opinion on Bestial Mouth's latest record "RESURRECTEDINBLACK". To put it bluntly, Bestial Mouths' lo-fi deathrock roots that was showcased on "Hissing Veil" was not for me. It was a large part as to why I chose to ignore the project for such a long time. Even when I initially heard all the great things about their 2016 album "HEARTLESS" did I choose to skip over it for a time. It was not until six months later where I was finally convinced to give Bestial Mouths another shot. When I finally decided to stream "HEARTLESS" for the first time I was absolutely bewildered not only by the sheer power of the project's industrial percussion, bewitching vocals, and darkwave influences, but also by the unique sound that came from them. This was a project that I wanted to get to know and love.

Since my initial streaming of "HEARTLESS", I have not stopped admiring Lynette Cerezo and friends for their monumental work within Bestial Mouths. I have become a huge fan and every time they release something new I am on their legion's forefront listening to and enjoying their new songs. All that being said, I was more than ecstatic to learn that their new album "RESURRECTEDINBLACK" released in July of 2020. While the review has been late in the making, what has not been postponed was my digestion and thorough enjoyment of their new full length record multiple times. 



As per normal, the consumption of Bestial Mouth's work begins visually. The artwork features Lynette Cerezo with blackened eyes, with three sets of arms setting both above and below her. Her appearance is occult and eerie; I could see this figure being used in a throwback, silent, retro-horror film. Cerezo does not pull any punches when it comes to design recruiting multiple talented artists to see her vision come to life. Those who should be credited are on their Bandcamp page. 

'THE FALLS' thus begins our journey in "RESURRECTEDINBLACK", which is a slow building song. Off distance synthetic pulses as Cerezo's vocals come across in her trademark ritualistic fashion take up a majority of the song. The rhythm gets stronger culminating in a wonderful beat that comes to fruition around the one-minute and fifty second mark. 

'LAIN TO RUST' will be the kicker for those who are looking for their next witchy club track. A cinematic build-up of ominous ambiance takes up the first thirty-seconds or so of the song until we're met with heavy hitting, industrial-based dance beats. 

Surprisingly, what appears to be an EBM-inspired bassline structures the foundation of 'DRY AS DUST' with crunchy guitar riffs joining the fray a little later into the song. These songs, the more experimental ones, are what keeps Bestial Mouths a noteworthy act. They keep to their signature sound while playing around with different instruments and design. It's quite a hard feat to achieve. I've seen other bands try this same method, but rather than keeping their unique design they morph into something else entirely. When you play a Bestial Mouths song, you know who you're listening to; you just don't know what they're throwing at you next. 

'OUR SOULS TAKE' is a dark ambient intermission where Cerezo's voice sounds like she's calling out to otherworldly spirits. Again, the only thought that registered to me was that this sounds like something straight out of a horror film as a central character comes across the deepest pit of an underground labyrinth. 

'WITHIIN' should be familiar to anyone who either listened to or experienced their 2019 EP "INSHROUDSS" as it was the fifth and final track on that release.

'THE LOSS' plays around with ambient backing and a soother tone for its duration. It is a song where Cerezo really shows off her vocal prowess, allowing each note to be adored by her audience. The music is top notch, as well, with every synthetic line and percussive beat sinking a forbidden feeling into my gut. Well done.

Instrumentally speaking, 'INDUSTRIAL WASTE' is one of the more impressive songs on the roster. Featuring a middle eastern atmosphere while combining harder (and probably easily guessable due to the title of the song) industrial beats within. 

'(A) SIREN CALLS' is the most unique song on the album, utilizing acoustic guitar and minimal synths. Cerezo sings in two tones, one sad and defeated, and the other calling out to something, or someone, for help. 

The final song on the album 'IN RUINS', strikes true to both darkwave and post-punk styles. Faster in pace than more of the other songs, a bit of a noise wall forms during the chorus. It ends off the album with a final synthetic line that sizzles out with noisy effect. 

As with "HEARTLESS" and "INSHROUDSS", "RESURRECTEDINBLACK" is a release from Bestial Mouths in which it would be sinful to skip over any one song on the release. Each song is emotionally beautiful and musically creative. I've yet to come across a project like Bestial Mouths in my listening experience. Their talent is uncommon, their production rare, and execution impeccable. This is a must-listen album for any fan of dark electronic music in 2020 and will likely be on our best-of list towards the end of the year. 

"RESURRECTEDINBLACK" is available in both digital and Smokey Black 12" Vinyl formats. The vinyl will be shipping toward the end of October so I suppose now was a perfect time for me to finally type this out. 
Oct 06 2020