At an astoundingly rapid pace, the internationally revered French-born luminary Maxime Taccardi continues to present us with utterly mesmerizing new musical releases as well as magnificent pieces of visual art. Taccardi’s New York-based, Japanese-inspired behemoth Kyūketsuki remains one of the most angst-inducing and original projects in the perilous realm of black metal. The band’s newest triumph, Oni, will delight preexisting fans of the band and also offers a perfect entry point into Taccardi’s work for those yet to become acquainted with his excellence. Oni represents a terrifying dive into the depths of evil.
On Oni, Taccardi, known as “Yūrei” in this context, handled vocals, guitars, bass, drums, xylophone, taiko, and synth — the non-traditional elements are certainly extremely welcome and aid in creating a thoroughly mind-melting potion. Even the eerie and darkly hallucinatory choral components were performed by Taccardi. They contrast beautifully with Taccardi’s low, intensely menacing, and inhuman main vocals. Samples are wonderfully implemented as well. All accents are perfectly placed, and nothing feels extraneous. Countless nuances will continue to unfold with each play.
Within the immersive soundscapes, which seem to burn with hellfire, the brutal and more polished, or ethereal, aspects combine to create a complex allure. Taccardi’s delightfully raw production amplifies Oni’s character and sinister vibes. And yes, on Oni and elsewhere, Taccardi constructs some of the blackest atmospheres you will hear. Kyūketsuki is the antithesis of the commercial sell-out “black metal” with which we are often accosted today. It epitomizes artistic truth, integrity, danger, and Taccardi’s thoroughly uncompromising attitude. A master of his craft, Taccardi’s music exudes authority and devilish confidence.
In Kyūketsuki, Taccardi seamlessly melds various types of influences, including horror and cinematic. For Oni, Taccardi mined from Junji Itō’s novels, Gō Nagai’s manga, and the movie Gemini. However, even if one is not yet familiar with these works, the music’s immediate and lethally potent magic will still have its full overpowering effect. As an author and video creator himself, Taccardi brilliantly builds suspense.
Oni is completed by a stunning cover that Taccardi, as usual, painted in his own blood. Oni comes with other captivating illustrations by Taccardi as well. From beginning to end, inside and out, Oni proves a must-hear and a must-see.
(Purchase Oni here.)
