Vox Medusae by Potmos Hetoimos

The eleventh album from Potmos Hetoimos, Vox Medusae weaves a harrowingly vivid narrative dealing with pornography addiction. Theatrically dramatized yet deeply personal, the album conveys the internal psychological struggle associated with addiction by presenting the perspectives of nine voices:

[M]edusa, the temptress – an external(?) personification of the supreme object of lustful attraction and obsession
The [A]ddict – the true human struggling with his addiction
[L]ust – the addict's uninhibited obsessive desire
[S]hame – the addict's filthy guilt over his inability to control his thoughts and actions
[R]age – the addict's bitter anger at himself for constantly failing
The [K]iller – murderer of true Beauty by reducing women to objects
The [W]itness – impartial observer to the killer's deeds
The [P]rophet – a conscience speaking truth, warning and encouragement
The [C]onqueror – valiant would-be slayer of the Medusa

Musically, Vox Medusae expresses this tension by associating a different non-traditional scale with each voice. Potmos Hetoimos's signature progressive sludge is extended in both intensity and creativity, by incorporating the blackened hardcore influence of bands like Cult Leader and Plebeian Grandstand as well as the jazz and funk inspiration of artists like Prince and Kamasi Washington. The standard metal instrumentation is juxtaposed with piano and saxophone throughout the album, creating an unprecedented synthesis of styles.

Details about the non-traditional scales: https://canthisevenbecalledmusic.com/not-music-sludge-titan-potmos-hetoimos-premieres-new-song-goes-in-depth-on-songwriting-process/

PH is a (mostly) one-man prog/doom/jazz/ sludge/post-metal project from Baltimore, Maryland. PH focuses on music as storytelling, with the lyrics and concept being integral to the compositions.

Facebook