Trails of Anguish - Scathed Gaping Misery

Trails of Anguish were a black metal band from Canada , who formed in 2000.  After the disbandment of Through Sombre Sorrowfield, musicians Dishcord and Scythrawl formed the new project through a desire to create aggressive yet melodic and cathartic black metal.

“Scathed Gaping Misery,” is actually a compilation of the only two EPS ever released by the band, 2001’s “Relentless Abhorrence,” and 2003’s “Scarred Memento.”  

According to their Metallum page, the band is still active.  I am not sure on that but I hope they are because this release represents a band with an insane appetite for creating black metal that fully melds aggression and melody together.  

The duo definitely managed to complete their vision—the songs are visceral but are laced with just the right amount of melody.  Most of the album is played at a high tempo, which certainly increases the aggressive factor.  

The album begins with “Beyond Charismatic Sickness,” and one hell of a blackened scream.  The drums are so fast they don’t seem real but I assume they are indeed.  The song slows down during a few precious seconds, allowing the structure to breathe.  About the halfway mark, sorrowful melody and clever drumming pushes the song into more atmospheric waters but it’s always riff based with tons of energy.

“Laments Of Martyrised Innocence,” showcases their desire to think outside the box.  For the first 37 seconds or so, the song barrels through but seamlessly cascades into a beautiful clean section.  But the screams are still there, as are the drums so the song remains engaging no matter what it throws out.  

The clean guitar returns for “...And Desolated Trails Of Anguish” but this song bears the hint of emotional burden and a depressive quality, although it’s just as fast and aggressive as the other songs.  This is one of the best songs on the album as it really brings their sound together and showcases what this album is all about.

“Spectral Life Scars,” is another highlight, due to the guitars which while still consisting of much aggression and heaviness, are atmospheric enough on their on to give the song a different vibe than the other songs.  The clean section after the 1:19 mark and the spoken word that is peppered throughout the track adds to the song’s mysterium. 

Ultimately, “Scathed Gaping Misery” is a fitting swansong for a band that left too soon and an ode to the testament that great bands don’t always need a large discography.  There are a ton of bands who only released a small amount that have been lost to the annals of time but, thankfully, Trails of Anguish have been pushed back into the blackened light.  Don't miss out on the second chance to hear this hidden gem of the black metal scene.