Review by Felix on March 26, 2021.

I liked The Grand Awakening Among The Great Sleep, the album by the Ukrainian who named his "band" Do Skonu. That's why, in all my generosity, I thought it would be a good idea to give him a second chance. Here you go, curtain up for Black Asceticism.

It's a pity that the 2019 work can't match the class of the 2014 album. The Grand Awakening... is darker, more mystical and achieves a deeper effect. In parts, Black Asceticism gets in its own way, for example when 'Separate Reality' in fourth place is a piece that is nothing more than a performance of somewhat irrelevant sounds. This damages the flow of the album more than it helps it. The same applies - to an even greater extent - to the keyboard-saturated 'Circle Is Closed'. But well, we are only talking about two brief interludes here. The bigger problem is the sound, which is a bit too clean for my taste. This results in a deficit of blackness. The hypnotic element in the music is also largely missing. 'Black Asceticism' trots along at a leisurely pace on a long path in a melancholic mood through the forests of Ukraine. One can join this path - in the comforting certainty that one will not die of an excess of tension on this journey.

All my complaining does not mean that Do Skonu have produced crap. Not only the stylish cover is compelling. Many guitar lines prove the artist's grasp for effective melodies. His core competence lies in designing dragging, at best medium-fast tracks. But even the faster, initially richly emotionless '(Aum) Supreme Truth' still develops splendidly.

The highlights of the full-length are nevertheless other tracks, such as 'Fields Of Blood', an instrumental with an excellent flow and brilliant guitar lines. Surprisingly, one does not miss Mr Varagian's voice. But that does not mean that it detracts from the compositions. On the contrary: his grating croak enriches the atmosphere of the pieces. Speaking of atmosphere, in this discipline 'Eternal Non Return' has a very large, extraordinarily tasty portion to offer. To avoid misunderstandings: yes, the keyboards also contribute to this ambience. But they only take over the melody for a short time, the great guitars, which do not hide their wistfulness, are more decisive. This song could undoubtedly be a wonderful soundtrack to a dark, Eastern European fairy tale.

All in all, I have no regrets about spending money on Do Skonu again. Although I largely rule out that it will be my last wish on my deathbed to listen to this album again, of all things. But that's only because I've resolved to become a Sabaton fan in the last half hour of my life. It's better that one of them dies than that it happens to a black metal enthusiast. (Final note: as far as I can see, there are no idiotic political/racial theories here - and that's good this way.)

Rating: 7.4 out of 10

Review by Chris Pratl on December 31, 2017.

Chicago's underground metal scene has been vastly undervalued throughout its storied and important history. We've managed to produce bands like Master, Cianide, Zoetrope, Sindrome, Devastation, Znowhite, Abomination, Trouble, Cardiac Arrest and area-legends Impetigo and Macabre. That stated, some of the 'newer' local bands making noise over the past decade-plus are deserving of notice and accolades, so I present to you Drug Honkey, a death-like doom-laden experiment with psychedelic and even slight industrial leanings. This is a band that was in the midst of finding its proverbial footing during this album, and it only went up from here, which says a lot seeing as how I thoroughly appreciate this effort.

The experience one gets from engaging Drug Honkey is starkly akin to hitting the cerebral areas of the brain and allowing yourself to find things hidden in the recesses that aren't immediately accessible. Yes, I am well aware there are chemical additives you can ingest to enhance or tap into such reserves, but the best, most illuminating drug I've ever found was music, so why not partake? This album is one long high; how you choose to interpret it is completely up to you.

The CD I'm reviewing is a current reissue of a long out-of-print effort from 2005 called Hail Satan, which can only be called one of the single most encapsulating cautionary tales 'recently' put to CD (thought it's 12-years old now, it will be new to some folks, lucky suckers!) The lyrics are quick, steady blueprints that you need to hear in tandem with the music that carries them. This is one of those recordings that you need to take in as a piece, not part and parcel lumping, so as to truly get the full effect of what the band is relaying here. It's not totally overwhelming or bland embellishment by any means, but it does carry with it some serious staying power with casual need for introspection. The mood can be very dismal and dank, which is what is required for the topic(s) at hand, and it can waft over you like a mad rush of horror and fear, but it can also find moments of lulling to the point of relief from the journey you're finding. I won't insult you by giving you some ridiculous tag lines that you need “lights out, total consciousness, totally Zen mood, maaaaan....” One listen to this CD and you'll find the pattern you're supposed to scan, and it will be a moment you might never forget. You can find the throes of depression and overall bleakness rather satisfying once you find the soundtrack to attach to it, if even for an hour.

All superlatives and euphemisms aside, this is a very green, yet tangible entry into what a band like Drug Honkey had in store for us. In the span of 57-minutes you can truly find yourself within the tempestuous confines of addiction and depression, the very death grip that many Drug Honkey releases are both noted and heralded for, and that makes for a very cerebral experience. Even the mocking tone in the track “Silver Lining” is a sardonic stab at lost conditioning, with a vocal that all but screams for you to get up from the dirty floor. I only speak from experience when I say that this collective can evoke feelings and anguish that you might otherwise deny or keep at bay. The topics are heavy, the music is unapologetic and confronting; you need this in your life if your mind and body can handle it.

By all means, also check out their other musical offerings, which get even better with each effort. This is just an amazing band with some real credibility and mental provocation assigned to its lineage. Another of Chicago's pride making noise!

Rating: 9 out of 10