Searching for the meaning of life has been one of the primal aspects of human existence. From Greek Philosophers to modern day scholars, it is with much conviction, I can attest, that everyone, at some point of life has done the same, and with Guwahati-based metal band Arseniic walking the same path, they have released their first EP The Omnisight Domain, earlier in October, this year. Arseniic, featuring Sam Konjham on vocals, Rick Singha on guitars, Debanuj Rajkhowa on bass, and Kushal Singh on Drums, partakes in a sonic exploration of chaos and redemption that delves into the cyclical nature of human suffering and the hope for salvation.
This 5-track project starts with an atmospheric track Genesis Zero which creates a sense of mystery, keeping the listeners curious about what’s to come. With production that heavily relies on sound effects, the sonic experience is almost similar to entering a cave in a deep dark forest, perhaps on a new moon night.
The EP then introduces us to Opaque which explores the concept of propaganda and its impact on individual consciousness, featuring a collaboration with Greek singer Pelagia Maistreli whose vocals were cherry on top, with a subtle shamanic touch on certain places. Opaque delivered a poetic essence, while subtly reminding me of Viking metal, which was tied well to the EP and brought a new flavour to it.
Halfway through the third track titled Ignite, I had an impression of it being a lovechild of British metal band Monuments and French Metal Band Gojira. It’s power-packed, albeit sounding somewhat similar to Opaque, but let’s assume that it made the transition from the previous track to the current smoother, thanks to the cohesive nature. This track dives into the brutal fight for survival, emphasising the relentless need to adapt in a world that pulls no punches.
As a distorted tone opens the curtains, the fourth track titled Maraud, paves its way to the EP. Here, Arseniic challenges the authority of false gods and the societal chaos they create. The arrangement of Maraud creates a story in itself, and manages to stand tall as a standalone track too. The tremolo picking is commendable and the double bass drumming adds an extra punch to the track’s intensity.
The Gojira reminiscence continues with the final track Shattered concluding the EP with a personal reflection on self-inflicted punishment and the consequences of one’s actions. This track offers a glimmer of hope as the protagonist confronts their past actions and seeks to break free from the cycle of chaos. With a doom-like setting carrying forward the song, this is a song that leaves you with a lingering thought about how the last three tracks, with their cohesive nature, and the first two tracks, a little different, all came in together with an aim to speak, to make you introspect, to stand against forces of destruction, which metal, has always been known and revered for.
For metal fans, The Omnisight Domain brings a tasty assortment of heavy riffs, power-packed gutturals, backed by fervent work on the drums and bass, carrying within its soul a heavy influence of Swedish metal giants Meshuggah as djent never left the EP’s side, and a Behemoth-isque reminiscence at places amplifying the intensity. In the EP, there has been experimentation, and the storyline, with its philosophical base of exploring chaos and redemption that delves into the cyclical nature of human suffering and the potential for salvation is worth saying “Hell Yeah” to. It can be deduced that Arseniic’s debut is a philosophical and sonic exploration, dissecting the destructive forces that shape us, the instincts that drive us, and the truths that lie buried beneath, much to the delight of anyone who is interested in what constitutes life, the bright and the dark side of it, both.
