But you'd be wrong. Dead wrong.
This low-key three-piece band (featuring none other than Nameless Void from black metal legends Negative Plane on guitar, organ and backing vocals) was brought to my attention by none other than artist extraordinaire Justin Bartlett on Facebook of all things, which is the last place I would expect to find a band.
Their social networking sites all classify them in the progressive metal realm, and yet I really feel Occultation is really cutting themselves short here. Taking cues from krautrock, Diamanda Galas, darkwave, and Italian zombie movie soundtracks, Occultation's off-kilter yet undeniably catchy and memorable tunes are unlike anything I've ever heard. E.M.'s (Nameless Void) piercing guitar and organ create an uneasy wash beneath drummer V.B. and bassist A.L.'s rather occult-sounding (there's something I thought I'd never say) vocal harmonies. This is pop music you'd hear echoing within a buried Satanic chapel; a 70's psychedelic rock band on a bad acid trip. Perfect for those long nights of dark rooms, sitting in a makeshift pentagram on your floor.
Occultation has definitely carved their own niche as far as I'm concerned, and these three songs indicate a bright (well, "bright") future for this kvlt trio.
If you want a copy, feel free to e-mail them at occultation37@gmail.com. Totally worth it.
-Jon
