Full of Hell & Andrew Nolan: Scraping The Divine Review

Waren Burn

2 min read

·

26-11-2024

2

0

Share

Full of Hell, the notorious grindcore outfit from Pennsylvania, has once again pushed the boundaries of sonic brutality with their latest collaborative effort, Scraping the Divine, featuring the avant-garde soundscapes of Andrew Nolan. This isn't just another grindcore album; it's a descent into the visceral and the chaotic, a sonic tapestry woven from the threads of noise, dissonance, and unrelenting aggression.

A Marriage of Discordant Elements

The album immediately throws listeners into a maelstrom of sound. Full of Hell's trademark chaotic energy is present in abundance—the blast beats are ferocious, the riffs are sharp and jagged, and the guttural vocals are as abrasive as ever. However, Nolan's contributions elevate the experience beyond the typical grindcore framework. His experimental electronic textures and unsettling soundscapes create an atmosphere of unease and dread, adding layers of complexity and unsettling beauty to the already brutal music.

Beyond the Grind

While the sheer auditory onslaught is undeniably a major draw, Scraping the Divine is more than just noise. The album possesses a surprising amount of dynamic range, fluctuating between moments of pure sonic violence and stretches of unsettling, almost ambient soundscapes. This interplay prevents listener fatigue and keeps the experience consistently engaging. The carefully constructed transitions between these contrasting elements showcase a surprising level of compositional skill.

A Masterclass in Controlled Chaos

What truly sets Scraping the Divine apart is the masterful control displayed amidst the chaos. While the music is undeniably extreme, it is far from random. Every element, from the blast beats to the unsettling electronic textures, feels meticulously placed to create a cohesive and deeply unsettling listening experience. This level of precision elevates the album beyond the realm of mere noise and into the territory of genuine artistic expression.

Final Verdict

Scraping the Divine is not for the faint of heart. This is an album that demands attention, an album that challenges listeners to confront the unsettling and the extreme. It's a testament to the creative power of collaboration, showcasing the potential for synergy between seemingly disparate musical styles. For fans of extreme music, and those curious enough to venture into the abrasive, this album is a must-listen. It's a powerful, unsettling, and ultimately rewarding experience.