So Hideous – “Last Poem/First Light”

Last Poem/First Light is the newest offering from the NYC-based extreme metal band So Hideous. Mixing blackened metallic hardcore with orchestral arrangements and pianos, this disc is quite interesting to say the least. The contrast between the harsh, heavy guttural vocal parts, the solemn piano and the cascading orchestra is quite striking and surprisingly, works very well.

The band’s bio says they originally formed with the intention of making soundtracks for films and after listening to this disc I understand what they are after. All six of the tracks herein create sweeping, emotional landscapes with extreme highs and lows that I can easily picture as the backdrop to a film, maybe not a Hollywood Blockbuster, but perhaps something more along the lines of an indie release.

At the end of the day I can appreciate and recognize the talent and ability it took to create this disc, but is it is not the kind of thing many can listen to on a regular basis. Solid musicianship but just far too extreme to be put into a regular listening rotation.

Track Listing:

01. Rising
02. Stabat Mater
03. My Light
04. Rhapsody
05. Last Poem
06. Glory

Run Time: 32:43
Release Date: October 22, 2013

Check out the album ‘Last Poem/First Light’