A decade ago, Withering Soul left us with a mixed bag of emotions—an album that was enjoyable yet unfocused, like a gothic moonlit dance clashing with the raw energy of black metal. But now, they’re back, and the question looms: have they finally found their sublime path, or is Passage of the Arcane just another detour into disappointment? Let’s dive in.
Much has changed since Madam X’s scathing 2.5 review of Adverse Portrait—a score I wholeheartedly agreed with back in my high school days. That album, with its Moonspell-inspired gothic tendencies, felt at odds with the band’s Dissection-esque black metal roots. Yet, in a move that flew under the radar, Withering Soul leveled up with 2021’s Last Contact. They ditched the Type O Negative-style vocals, doubled down on their blackened core, and delivered beefier riffs and tighter compositions. While some gothic elements lingered, they were far better integrated, hinting at a band finding its stride. Now, with Passage of the Arcane, they explore the theme of ‘human experiences traversing into cursed oblivion.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: can a band truly evolve while sticking to familiar territory?
Passage of the Arcane is a logical next step for Withering Soul, building on the momentum of Last Contact. They’ve leaned even further into melodic black metal, ditching the goth rock influences for a sound that’s both brutal and atmospheric. Think Dark Fortress meets Dissection, with death metal grit staining tracks like ‘Grievance Eludes the Light’ and ‘Among Covetous Eyes.’ Meanwhile, synthesizers add a glossy sheen to ‘Gallery of the End’ and ‘Burden of the Valiant.’ Each band member gets their moment to shine—Frank G.’s melodic guitar solos, Rick’s slick drum fills, and Joel’s sneaky, groovy bass lines—proving Withering Soul is a force to be reckoned with. And this is the part most people miss: while they haven’t reinvented the wheel, they’ve crafted an album that’s undeniably better than their last.
The album kicks off with a one-two-three punch: ‘Attrition Horizon,’ ‘Grievance Eludes the Light,’ and ‘The Monolith Embodied.’ These tracks are a masterclass in aggression, with Christopher’s hoarse screams and Frank G.’s tremolo-heavy riffs delivering a frost-rimed, thrashy intensity. As the album progresses, it becomes more exploratory, but the initial ferocity never wavers. The punchy production ensures Rick’s kick drums thump and Joel’s bass grooves, especially in chuggier moments like ‘Trajectory.’ There’s no shortage of killer riffs here, though the closer, ‘Burden of the Valiant,’ feels a bit sluggish until it finally picks up. But here’s the bold question: is aggression enough to carry an album?
While Passage of the Arcane is a solid entry, it’s not without flaws. The guitar leads, though plentiful, feel repetitive—basic eighth-note arpeggios over tremolo riffs that do little to elevate the chords. It’s a missed opportunity, especially when the rhythm guitar work is so inventive. Similarly, Christopher’s vocal style, while powerful, lacks variety. A touch of gothic clean singing here and there could’ve added depth. These issues might seem like nitpicks, but they’re noticeable enough to temper my enthusiasm. Is it fair to criticize a band for staying in their lane, or should we applaud their consistency?
Withering Soul hasn’t broken the mold with Passage of the Arcane, but they’ve refined their sound into something leaner and meaner. The songwriting is tight, the performances are strong, and the album grows on you with each listen. If you’re a fan of riff-centric, melodic black metal, this is an easy recommendation. But I’ll leave you with this: in a genre that thrives on innovation, is Withering Soul’s evolution enough, or do they need to take a bolder leap? Let me know in the comments—I’m curious to hear your take.
Rating: Very Good
DR: 7 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
Label: Liminal Dread Productions (https://www.liminaldreadproductions.com/)
Websites: witheringsoul.bandcamp.com (https://witheringsoul.bandcamp.com/album/passage-of-the-arcane) | facebook.com/witheringsoulband (https://www.facebook.com/witheringsoulband/) | instagram.com/witheringsoul77 (https://www.instagram.com/witheringsoul77/?hl=en)
Releases Worldwide: November 14th, 2025
