To what end doest ye immolate such physick drench’d blueprints? A manifold error, releasing its paradoxes into the dark even as ye unlimit the encag'd sapience. For to destruct this most wondrous tome shalt ye not closeth its obscurities from our age? but rather the obverse, unbolting the betoken’d mysteries from cipher’d binds. Fed to the flames, each bestiary sleeve may field its abomination without constraint, venting its reality past the divide. And whilst it be thy intent towards erasure of the alien, and so to police the parameters of existence, ye but decode and so unfasten its horror upon the realm. Forsooth, the secrets sheav’d in these warp-splash’d manuals even now philter through the interstice.

Mayhaps did ye but seeketh to sabotage the wizard’s magik? A flaw’d doctrine, for the sorcerous organ then freight'd with infernal lore now glides unencumber'd. Lo the great fractal formations that once did marcheth across his field of thought vanquish’d in a single fell. As vast cryptology-cloak’d formulae and fluid-splatter’d mappings are shovel’d into the furnace, its workings derange. Alchemies dishevel back to axiomatic stratum. Thenceforth though the prisoner’s corpus may immure in the most lightless gaol, yet doest his mind, unfetter’d, quaff the oceans of chaos.

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Beneath the grim pinnacles of Eldritch Mountains! Atop laughing plateaus of Blue Wasteland! Across the sea to the Forest'd Isles and past the fallen walls of Hyperborea!

Fugitive Wizard travels the lawless frontier, regaling fables of forbidden magik bethought lost beyond the borders of Imperium. Behold! Extorris Magus, apocryphal and cult, eras’d by thy Intelligentsia save these scant analogues of our prestigious troupe:

𝐼𝒮𝐸𝒩𝒢𝑅𝐼𝑀
Lutes, Rimes and Synthesizers

𝐻𝐼𝐸𝑅𝒪𝒩𝒴𝑀𝒰𝒮
Minstrelsy and Snares

released June 7, 2024
bndcmp

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The sophomore album of this Californian duo.

Fugitive Wizard, returns with their sophomore album, Apocrypha, a nearly hour-long opus following up their usual sonic aesthetics on a deep dive into the realms of raw black metal, enriched with a punk spirit and an eclectic mix of influences

The album is a visceral journey through harsh black metal soundscapes, characterised by an abrasive and unrelenting sonic assault. However, what sets “Apocrypha” apart is its ability to integrate a variety of elements that, while diverse, coalesce into a cohesive result. The lo-fi black metal is occasionally punctuated by a punk aftertaste, lending an edge that harks back to the genre's untamed roots.

Also, another captivating aspect of this act is its incorporation of synthesisers. Either blended in the black metal or as interludes offer a stark contrast to the otherwise relentless aggression, creating moments of eerie calm and dark introspection. In addition to the synthesiser-driven segments, “Apocrypha” also ventures into heavy metal territory. These forays add yet another layer of complexity to the album, showcasing the duo's versatility and their ability to transcend genre constriction, showing a more whimsical songwriting.

While "Apocrypha" may not be groundbreaking, it is executed with a level of conviction and authenticity that resonates deeply with fans of the genre. Fugitive Wizard captures the essence of what many black metal enthusiasts seek: raw intensity, atmospheric depth, and the search for their own textures.

Overall, this record shows these artists’ growth and their commitment to their blackened allegiance. It is an album that will likely appeal to both purists and those looking for something that strays slightly from the beaten path. Definitely a worthy addition to the contemporary black metal canon.