Thursday, 22 July 2021

ESSES - Bloodletting for the Lonely (CD Review)

ESSES Bloodletting for the Lonely


01. The Source

02. Pierce the Feeling

03. Four Corners

04. Infinite Void

05. Before the Blight

06. Little Mouse

07. Faceless Past

08. Caged Beasts

09. Schism  


Miss Kel (Vocals)

Dawn Hills (Guitars)

Skot B (Guitars)

Scout Leight (Bass)

Kevin Brown (Drums)




Formed in 2014, Esses has gradually become one of the pillars in the thriving Oakland and San Francisco underground. Encompassing elements of deathrock and dark post-punk shrouded under a veil of forbidding doom.

The Oakland five-piece, featuring current and former members of Altar de Fey, Black Ice, The Phantom Limbs, Red Voice Choir, and The Holy Kiss — carry through transcendently dark live performances with surreal and sublime vitalities.   



A follow-up to the 2018’s EP, 'Offering', this album deals with the topics of mental health, memory and trauma.

Starting with 'The Source' and culminating in 'Schism' the record progresses with a continuous storytelling approach throughout nine meticulously ordered numbers.  



Album really kicks in on track two with 'Pierce the Feeling' with its heavy, dark and twisted approach and some stunning vocals.

'Infinite Void' is another superb example of how, when done right, you can take all the influences, wear them on your sleeve and yet still be original.




 A much heavier approach on 'Little Mouse', this is screaming, guitar laden, drum thumping, goth/metal delivered with confidence that it will hit every sense at the same time with a sledgehammer.

Creepy ambience is served cold with 'Faceless Past', followed with some more (slightly) upbeat rhythms for 'Caged Beasts' before our last song 'Schism' which blends mid paced instrumentation with haunting vocals.


Rating 9/10

For Fans Of: Siouxsie & The Banshees, Christian Death, Toyah, Radio Werewolf, Danielle Dax, The Cure  

No comments: