Welcome my fellow black metalheads, Sean here at the Black Metal Archives, and today we’re soaring into the cosmic expanse of Mare Cognitum with their stellar fifth full-length, Solar Paroxysm. Unleashed on March 19, 2021, through a dual assault from I, Voidhanger Records and Extraconscious Records, this opus from Portland’s one-man cosmic force, Jacob Buczarski, delivers five tracks of unrelenting atmospheric black metal fury. Shifting from the nebular mystique of prior works, Solar Paroxysm turns its gaze earthward, channeling rage at humanity’s failings into a sonic supernova that’s as intricate as it is intense. This is Mare Cognitum at their peak—strap in for a galactic ride.
The album ignites with “Antaresian,” a fiery plunge into cosmic chaos that sets the stage with blistering intent. Buczarski’s guitars erupt in a cascade of tremolo-picked riffs—sharp, melodic, and brimming with celestial energy—while his rasping vocals howl over the din like a prophet of doom. The drums thunder with programmed precision, a relentless storm that mirrors the track’s vision of a collapsing world, and the bass growls beneath, a tectonic force tying it all together. It’s a bold opener, weaving intricate melodies with raw aggression, pulling you into the album’s orbit with no chance of escape.
“Frozen Star Divinization” follows, a radiant beast that showcases Mare Cognitum’s mastery of layered composition. The guitars soar with harmonized leads, cutting through the mix like beams of starlight, while the rhythm section drives forward with unyielding momentum. Buczarski’s vocals snarl with cosmic wrath, but it’s the mid-track shift—a breathtaking solo that unfurls over a bed of shimmering chords—that elevates this into transcendent territory. This is black metal that feels alive, pulsating with the energy of a dying star, and it’s a testament to his skill as both composer and performer.
“Terra Requiem” stands as the album’s beating heart, a slow-burning elegy that’s as haunting as it is powerful. The guitars take on a mournful tone, weaving delicate, crystalline melodies that bloom into waves of crushing heaviness. Synths ripple through the background, adding a layer of atmospheric depth, while the drums march with a funereal grace. Buczarski’s voice carries a weight of despair, lamenting humanity’s ashes—a poetic dirge that resonates with the earth itself. It’s a track that balances beauty and brutality, a requiem that lingers long after it fades.
“Luminous Accretion” dives back into the fray, a swirling vortex of sound that dazzles with its complexity. The guitars churn out riffs that twist and evolve, layered with counterpoints that reveal Buczarski’s meticulous craftsmanship, while the bass pulses with a primal heft. The drums blast and weave, propelling the track into a maelstrom of cosmic fury, and the vocals—gritty and commanding—tie it to a narrative of creation and collapse. It’s a sonic accretion disk, gathering energy and brilliance into a singular, explosive force.
“Ataraxia Tunnels” closes the album with a majestic flourish, an intricate odyssey that feels like a journey through the void. The guitars build towering structures of melody, rich with texture and emotion, while subtle synths paint a backdrop of infinite space. Buczarski’s vocals shift between snarls and whispers, guiding you through tunnels of peace and turmoil, and the rhythm section locks in with a hypnotic groove. It’s a fitting finale—bombastic yet reflective, leaving you adrift in its cosmic wake.
Mare Cognitum’s sound on Solar Paroxysm is a triumph of instrumentation—Buczarski’s guitars are the star, weaving intricate, riff-driven tapestries that range from ferocious to ethereal, all backed by a bass that rumbles with understated power. The programmed drums deliver a relentless, human-like energy, while synths add a celestial sheen that amplifies the atmosphere. In the black metal genre, Mare Cognitum stand as titans of the atmospheric realm—echoing the vastness of Darkspace or the melodic might of early Wolves in the Throne Room, yet carving their own path with a progressive edge akin to Krallice. This isn’t just cosmic black metal; it’s a searing commentary on humanity, wrapped in some of the most exhilarating riffs and compositions the genre has to offer. Solar Paroxysm is a masterpiece of aggression and artistry—plug in, turn it up, and let it consume you, available now on Bandcamp!
