Review of Conjurer’s album “Unself” – The Moshville Times

Conjurer’s latest album, “Unself,” marks a significant musical evolution for the band following their previous records, “Mire” and “Páthos.” This release, led by vocalist/guitarist Dani Nightingale, was created amidst personal challenges, including Nightingale’s autism diagnosis at age 31 and their realization of being non-binary. “Unself” serves as a documentation of Nightingale’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance in the face of these revelations.

The album delves deep into themes surrounding contemporary society’s descent into a capitalist dystopia, exploring the suffocating societal norms and constraints that accompany this shift. The opening and closing tracks of “Unself” notably feature a reinterpretation of the century-old gospel song “This World Is Not My Home,” repurposed to convey a sense of alienation and otherness.

The title track, “Unself,” sets the tone for the album with a haunting acoustic guitar intro that gradually builds into a cacophony of dissonant guitar chords and pummeling drums, culminating in a cathartic vocal outpouring. This raw and emotive expression serves as a stark contrast to the original gospel song’s folksy essence, effectively conveying the album’s themes of pain and frustration.

Throughout “Unself,” Conjurer masterfully employs fluid song structures and contrasting dynamics to create a visceral listening experience. Tracks like “All Apart” and “There Is No Warmth” showcase the band’s ability to seamlessly transition between aggressive and melodic passages, evoking a darkly hypnotic mood. The use of varying vocal styles, from raspy growls to clean sung sections, adds layers of complexity to the album’s sonic landscape.

Notably, the acoustic track “A Plea” stands out as a poignant moment of vulnerability, featuring gentle guitar picking and pleading vocals that highlight the album’s emotional depth. Similarly, “Let Us Live” juxtaposes acoustic verses with heavy, doomy riffs, underscoring the urgency of the band’s message.

Tracks like “Hang them in your Head” and “Foreclosure” maintain a relentless intensity, with pulsating drums and dissonant guitars creating a sense of impending chaos. The reprise of “This World Is Not My Home” in the album’s final track provides a redemptive and reflective closure, encapsulating the album’s themes of self-exploration and acceptance.

Conjurer’s “Unself” is a bold and uncompromising musical statement that pushes the boundaries of extreme music. The album’s complex arrangements, emotive vocals, and stark contrasts reflect the band’s growth and maturity, offering listeners a challenging yet rewarding sonic experience. With its striking artwork by Joost Vervoort, “Unself” serves as a powerful embodiment of the band’s artistic vision and emotional depth. In essence, Conjurer has crafted an album that is simultaneously unsettling, disturbing, and undeniably brilliant—an exemplar of what extreme music should aspire to be.