An intoxicating ensemble, both immersive and distinct from the outset, sets the listener off on a journey that’s perceived to be something specific, and soon reveals itself to be something else entirely.
Octopus Fugue is a project newly founded in 2024, a creative collaborative venture, inspired by rock and metal but drawing influence from a range of genres from world music to classical. Alejandro Siergert is the composer behind the group, and Hunting Darkness is their latest haunting expedition into audio exploration and passionate conviction.
Coming in at just over five minutes in full, the structural make-up of Hunting Darkness is crucial in presenting this story-like sense of consistent evolution. We begin with an organic meeting between classical layers of instrumentation, before we’re suddenly guided by a mildly gritty vocal; akin to the progressive metal voices of a simpler era.
Soon enough, soaring electric guitar solos and fierce drumlines welcome distortion and weight into the mix – never in an overbearing fashion though, always in keeping with this poetic and powerful intention.
The song is lyrically hopeful, loaded with metaphors and personal reflections – a theatrical sentiment, beautifully supported by the intricate and unrivalled unity of these different instrumental layers.
Hunting Darkness is gifted the added benefit of a live collaborative video to further impress its audience, and the song is far from a debut for the uniquely enchanting Octopus Fugue.
The Deep was their first release, a whispered piano-and-guitar combination, pouring through with a kind of spacious soul-rock to progressive metal core. The voice and story, the varied structure and meandering stages of the tale, all ring loud as this band, but the music is completely its own thing once again.
Also worth noting from their already popular repertoire – a collection that’s drawn in thousands of monthly listeners since its inception – The Fall of Men is a powerfully seductive groove, the two guitar sounds hypnotic and captivating, the drumline dramatic to mellow and intriguing; the voice expressive and evocative as it rolls through various compelling sections.
Then there’s the sensational and rather stunning Invictus – a personal favourite, addictive in its meandering melodies and the humble build up of intensity.
Contrast is masterfully incorporated by Octopus Fugue, and what’s more, despite the clear versatility of their setlist, the sound maintains certain essential qualities that prove exclusive and unmistakable as this act.
Single out March 7th. Find Octopus Fugue on Instagram & YouTube.
