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Esoteric - The Maniacal Vale



8.6 | 264 votes |
Release date: 16 June 2008
Style: Funeral doom metal, Psychedelic doom metal

Owners:

297 have it
33 want it
2 trade it


Disc I
01. Circle
02. Beneath This Face
03. Quickening
04. Caucus Of Mind

Disc II
01. Silence
02. The Order Of Destiny
03. Ignotum Per Ignotius

The Best Extreme Doom Metal Album Of 2008
Top 20 albums of 2008: 11

Additional info
Written and produced by Esoteric.
Engineered, mixed and mastered by Greg Chandler/Esoteric at Priority Recording Studios.
Vinyl master cut by Kevin Metcalfe at Soundmasters.
Artwork by Kati Astraeir.
Layout by Mauro Berchi.

Staff review by
jupitreas
Rating:
N/A
Who needs a soul anyway?

For the last 16 years or so and with every consecutive release, Esoteric get just a little bit closer to finally condemning us all to hell, and I personally respect any band with a disposition this sunny. The Maniacal Vale is not only another step in this tortured evolution - it is the band's ultimate masterpiece and an experience so overwhelming that it will completely blow the mind and shatter the senses. Yes, for all intents and purposes, this is a perfect album and one that will be remembered for a long time as a phenomenal achievement in every way.

Read more ››
published 11.07.2008 | Comments (40)

01.05.2010
The Maniacal Vale is, in my humble opinion, the single most devastating release ever.

It lures the listener in with "Circle", which has possibly the most emotive opening ever written. Within moments, the mood has shifted completely and you find yourself spiraling downwards a column of fire. There is no escape, there is no return. A hundred minutes later your soul has completely perished and your now lifeless body will crave salvation. Alas, those that have visited the abyss are condemned to dwell in hellfire forever.

It is hellfire.

Lucas's picks | More picks ››

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Comments

Comments: 95   Visited by: 779 users
20.08.2011 - 22:59
Rating: 9
Cynic Metalhead
Paisa Vich Nasha
Fantastic Album! Its like a journey from one era moving forward towards an another era. Heavy breakdowns, riffs, Bass( Awesome!!) and everything is fucking classic. Masterpiece.
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04.12.2011 - 07:04
Rating: 9
Ag Fox
Angel No More
I can't believe it. I finally "get" this album. It's...

Tragic
Dreamy
Tranquil
Essential
Destructive
Monumental

What has happened to me in the past 7 months? o.0
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loves 小巫
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04.12.2011 - 07:45
Rating: 9
Troy Killjoy
perfunctionist
Written by Ag Fox on 04.12.2011 at 07:04
What has happened to me in the past 7 months? o.0

When you hear it, you'll shit bricks.

It seems that bricks have been shat.
----
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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29.03.2012 - 23:42
tea[m]ster
Au Pays Natal
Is this anything like their latest? I am trying this type of music...cautiously...gingerly...tip-toeing...
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rekt
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29.03.2012 - 23:45
Rating: 9
Troy Killjoy
perfunctionist
Written by tea[m]ster on 29.03.2012 at 23:42
Is this anything like their latest?

Anything? Sure. But it's much different. The psychedelic elements are much more blatant this time around (in my opinion for the best) and the atmosphere is "easier" to digest. Not in the sense that it's more accessible (in fact I'd say their latest is their most accessible) but the flow seems more natural. It's really quite a journey and you'll probably wind up experiencing a few different things along the way. Multiple listens open up new doors every time.
----
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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29.03.2012 - 23:53
tea[m]ster
Au Pays Natal
Written by Troy Killjoy on 29.03.2012 at 23:45

Written by tea[m]ster on 29.03.2012 at 23:42
Is this anything like their latest?


Anything? Sure. But it's much different. The psychedelic elements are much more blatant this time around (in my opinion for the best) and the atmosphere is "easier" to digest. Not in the sense that it's more accessible (in fact I'd say their latest is their most accessible) but the flow seems more natural. It's really quite a journey and you'll probably wind up experiencing a few different things along the way. Multiple listens open up new doors every time.


Not sure what you are saying here Troy. The atmosphere is easier to digest than what? Their latest? Atmosphere, accessibility and genre bending are qualities I noticed on Paragon that made me intrigued about this band. Is it the same with this release? ( I ONLY listened to two tracks off Paragon, I say ONLY because that was 30 minutes...fucking wow)
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rekt
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29.03.2012 - 23:57
Rating: 9
Troy Killjoy
perfunctionist
Written by tea[m]ster on 29.03.2012 at 23:53
The atmosphere is easier to digest than what? Their latest? Atmosphere, accessibility and genre bending are qualities I noticed on Paragon that made me intrigued about this band. Is it the same with this release?

Sorry, I get tongue-tied talking about these guys.

The atmosphere on this isn't necessarily easier to digest than Paragon, but it seems more engaging. It captivates you more and draws you in. It's enticing.

You still get all three qualities (atmosphere, accessibility, genre-bending) only this time around (on TMV) they're weighted differently: denser atmosphere, less accessible on the whole, more psychedelic influences.
----
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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30.03.2012 - 00:03
tea[m]ster
Au Pays Natal
Written by Troy Killjoy on 29.03.2012 at 23:57

The atmosphere on this isn't necessarily easier to digest than Paragon, but it seems more engaging. It captivates you more and draws you in. It's enticing.

You still get all three qualities (atmosphere, accessibility, genre-bending) only this time around (on TMV) they're weighted differently: denser atmosphere, less accessible on the whole, more psychedelic influences.


Very good, much better synopsis. You should be a reviewer

Hmmm, the way you describe TMV it might not be for me. I will try it anyways since I think I am digging Paragon. Stay tuned Troy...thanks for the help and speedy responses!
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rekt
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30.03.2012 - 00:07
Rating: 10
X-Ray Rod
Skandino
One of my nine 10s.
Nothing short of a soulcrushing masterpiece. So far there are only two albums that have made such a strong impact in my musical journey. Acid Bath's debut and The Maniacal Vale.

Esoteric brung both the most heavenly tunes and melodies (The Order Of Destiny, Quickening...) and the most devastating and insane pits of hell (Circle, Caucus Of Mind).
----
Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29
Like you could kiss my ass
Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
Rod, let me love you.
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30.03.2012 - 00:08
Rating: 9
Troy Killjoy
perfunctionist
Written by tea[m]ster on 30.03.2012 at 00:03
You should be a reviewer
Stay tuned Troy...thanks for the help and speedy responses!

I don't think I could handle writing an Esoteric review. There's a reason I didn't touch Paragon when it leaked last year. I'd probably just ramble on and on about something to do with Esoteric being awesome and nobody would have any idea what it would sound like based on what I said.

And no problem, it's always nice to see people discovering a great band like this. TMV is definitely one of the top-tier releases in the funeral doom realm. But it's in a world of its own considering its psychedelic nature and the fact that it's not one of those overly melodic types of albums (i.e. Remembrance, Ankhagram).
----
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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30.03.2012 - 00:12
Rating: 10
X-Ray Rod
Skandino
Written by Troy Killjoy on 30.03.2012 at 00:08
But it's in a world of its own considering its psychedelic nature and the fact that it's not one of those overly melodic types of albums (i.e. Remembrance, Ankhagram).


Yeah, I find it's even in its own world even compared to other Esoteric albums. It just has... I dunno, it's simply immense.
----
Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29
Like you could kiss my ass
Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
Rod, let me love you.
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30.03.2012 - 00:13
Rating: 9
Troy Killjoy
perfunctionist
Written by X-Ray Rod on 30.03.2012 at 00:12
I dunno, it's simply immense.

I hate not being able to describe something this awesome!
----
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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30.03.2012 - 00:14
Rating: 10
X-Ray Rod
Skandino
Written by Troy Killjoy on 30.03.2012 at 00:13

Written by X-Ray Rod on 30.03.2012 at 00:12
I dunno, it's simply immense.

I hate not being able to describe something this awesome!


Yeah, when I got it... It took me like two weeks to get over the first cd.

Jup did a great job in the review btw, I think it's the only review I've read that has come nearest at describing what this album is about imo.
----
Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29
Like you could kiss my ass
Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
Rod, let me love you.
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30.03.2012 - 00:28
Rating: 10
X-Ray Rod
Skandino
Written by tea[m]ster on 30.03.2012 at 00:03
Hmmm, the way you describe TMV it might not be for me. I will try it anyways since I think I am digging Paragon.


I'm going to quote Daniell's post in the review thread because I think it sums up the whole point of getting into this album:

Quote:
This is one of those albums that require a lot of effort from the listener. You can't just play it and listen to it. You need to WANT to listen to it. Otherwise you will never sit through 100 minutes of this aural dementia. But once you muster your strength and listen closely, and again, and again, you will discover what's hidden deep beneath the layers of repulsive insanity - sheer brilliance and genius.


It will definitely take more than one listen imo. There are just too many layers and things that you only discover after way after the first listening. I only focused on one cd at a time at first for some time before going all the way and sit through the full 100 minutes.
----
Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29
Like you could kiss my ass
Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
Rod, let me love you.
Loading...
30.03.2012 - 00:32
Rating: 10
InnerSelf
proofread free
Every once and a while someone has to post this :
Best.Album.Ever
this completely changed the way I view extreme music as a whole
----
He who is not bold enough
to be stared at from across the abyss
is not bold enough
to stare into it himself.
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30.03.2012 - 00:34
Rating: 10
X-Ray Rod
Skandino
Written by InnerSelf on 30.03.2012 at 00:32
this completely changed the way I view extreme music as a whole


This. That's why it's so hard to describe it for me. I have nothing to compare this album to.
----
Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29
Like you could kiss my ass
Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
Rod, let me love you.
Loading...
30.03.2012 - 00:44
Rating: 10
InnerSelf
proofread free
Written by X-Ray Rod on 30.03.2012 at 00:34

Written by InnerSelf on 30.03.2012 at 00:32
this completely changed the way I view extreme music as a whole


This. That's why it's so hard to describe it for me. I have nothing to compare this album to.

Other stuff sometimes feel os shallow compared to TMV, and even though I've played it countless times now it still gives me the same feelings and I'm always left wondering what can be done that would be better than this (I'm feeling all fanboy-ish now )
I hope they'll still be around for when I leave Syria so I can catch them performing some stuff from TMV live.
----
He who is not bold enough
to be stared at from across the abyss
is not bold enough
to stare into it himself.
Loading...
30.03.2012 - 00:49
Rating: 10
X-Ray Rod
Skandino
Written by InnerSelf on 30.03.2012 at 00:44

Other stuff sometimes feel os shallow compared to TMV.


For what is worth, I think Paragon was kind of special (not nearly as special as this album though)... It brung a face I didn't really thought Esoteric would show: Pure beauty.

I never thought I would hear something like the first 5 min of Non Being under the name of Esoteric. Sure, TMV has some really beautiful passages too but still with a layer of hellish fire and uneasiness on top while Paragon felt so... transparent.
----
Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29
Like you could kiss my ass
Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
Rod, let me love you.
Loading...
30.03.2012 - 01:00
Rating: 10
InnerSelf
proofread free
Written by X-Ray Rod on 30.03.2012 at 00:49

For what is worth, I think Paragon was kind of special (not nearly as special as this album though)... It brung a face I didn't really thought Esoteric would show: Pure beauty.

I never thought I would hear something like the first 5 min of Non Being under the name of Esoteric. Sure, TMV has some really beautiful passages too but still with a layer of hellish fire and uneasiness on top while Paragon felt so... transparent.

All Esoteric stuff are non-shallow
and I agree on Paragon being purely beautiful ... there's this moment midway through Cipher with an angelic lead that gave me the chills first time I heard it, and there's also Loss of Will which is the kind of song I would never see Esoteric composing ... it's just so orthodox if you know what I mean but still awesome nonetheless. Greg mentioned in an interview that it's Jim Nolan's style of writing what made the compositions on Paragon this melodic, a welcomed change imo
----
He who is not bold enough
to be stared at from across the abyss
is not bold enough
to stare into it himself.
Loading...
30.03.2012 - 01:05
Rating: 10
X-Ray Rod
Skandino
Written by InnerSelf on 30.03.2012 at 01:00
Loss of Will which is the kind of song I would never see Esoteric composing ... it's just so orthodox if you know what I mean but still awesome nonetheless.


I still find that song a bit different though, specially the beginning with the drums and piano which gave it a very dramatic touch, almost theatrical.
----
Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29
Like you could kiss my ass
Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
Rod, let me love you.
Loading...
30.03.2012 - 01:08
Rating: 10
InnerSelf
proofread free
Written by X-Ray Rod on 30.03.2012 at 01:05

dramatic

That's the thing, their music is usually oppressive and unforgiving. This showed an almost completely different face of Esoteric
----
He who is not bold enough
to be stared at from across the abyss
is not bold enough
to stare into it himself.
Loading...
30.03.2012 - 05:35
tea[m]ster
Au Pays Natal
Geez you guys, sounds to me like this is a must-listen. I will check it out this weekend and post my comments. Might be kinda cool to see what someone thinks of this that's not a fan of the genre (yet?). Plus, all of you know my musical tastes, or can check my profile!
----
rekt
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30.03.2012 - 05:38
tea[m]ster
Au Pays Natal
Written by X-Ray Rod on 30.03.2012 at 00:07

One of my nine 10s.


Nice Doctor. I am one of those too who doesn't feel the need to give every album a 10. I think out of 750 albums I have 12 or 13 10's? I'll check your collection if you check out mine
----
rekt
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30.03.2012 - 07:40
Marcel Hubregtse
Grumpy Old Fuck
Written by X-Ray Rod on 30.03.2012 at 00:07

... brung ...


brung?
----
Member of the true crusade against European Flower Metal

Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow is out of sight
Dawn Crosby (r.i.p.)
05.04.1963 - 15.12.1996

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30.03.2012 - 10:24
Rating: 10
X-Ray Rod
Skandino
Written by tea[m]ster on 30.03.2012 at 05:38
Nice Doctor. I am one of those too who doesn't feel the need to give every album a 10. I think out of 750 albums I have 12 or 13 10's? I'll check your collection if you check out mine


Yeah baby I'll check out yours and you'll check out mine hurr hurr hurr
It IS a must-listen. Even if you don't like it that much, you won' hear anything like this. Like I said before, it even stands out among their own discography as being something else...

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 30.03.2012 at 07:40

Written by X-Ray Rod on 30.03.2012 at 00:07
... brung ...
brung?


Brought, and shut up.
----
Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29
Like you could kiss my ass
Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
Rod, let me love you.
Loading...
30.03.2012 - 10:26
Marcel Hubregtse
Grumpy Old Fuck
Written by X-Ray Rod on 30.03.2012 at 10:24

Brought, and shut up.


Watch your words or it's the street for you
----
Member of the true crusade against European Flower Metal

Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow is out of sight
Dawn Crosby (r.i.p.)
05.04.1963 - 15.12.1996

Loading...
30.03.2012 - 10:29
Rating: 10
X-Ray Rod
Skandino
Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 30.03.2012 at 10:26
Watch your words or it's the street for you


Hey I'm not saying anything every time you get acute k7-sism.
----
Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29
Like you could kiss my ass
Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
Rod, let me love you.
Loading...
30.03.2012 - 10:33
Marcel Hubregtse
Grumpy Old Fuck
Written by X-Ray Rod on 30.03.2012 at 10:29

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 30.03.2012 at 10:26
Watch your words or it's the street for you


Hey I'm not saying anything every time you get acute k7-sism.

'
But your brung wasn't a case of K7ism, you used in other posts as well
----
Member of the true crusade against European Flower Metal

Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow is out of sight
Dawn Crosby (r.i.p.)
05.04.1963 - 15.12.1996

Loading...
30.03.2012 - 10:34
Rating: 10
X-Ray Rod
Skandino
Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 30.03.2012 at 10:33
But your brung wasn't a case of K7ism, you used in other posts as well


Yeah well... ummm... shut up.
----
Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29
Like you could kiss my ass
Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
Rod, let me love you.
Loading...
30.03.2012 - 11:45
Rating: 10
InnerSelf
proofread free
This conversation brung me joy


Written by tea[m]ster on 30.03.2012 at 05:35

Geez you guys, sounds to me like this is a must-listen. I will check it out this weekend and post my comments. Might be kinda cool to see what someone thinks of this that's not a fan of the genre (yet?). Plus, all of you know my musical tastes, or can check my profile!

I get a little bit too exited whenever someone mentions TMV
----
He who is not bold enough
to be stared at from across the abyss
is not bold enough
to stare into it himself.
Loading...

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