Canadian black metal ENCASEMENT is a solo project of James Thompson has just announced the release of his self-titled album, ENCASEMENT that began as a simple creative exercise and evolved into something far more personal. Songs arrived in bursts and gradually assembled into a record rooted in grief, reflection, and emotional release. While the earliest material emerged spontaneously, the remainder of the album was shaped with greater intention, becoming an attempt to fully and unapologetically express emotions that had gone unspoken for too long. ENCASEMENT embraces raw performances, unconventional production choices, and compositions pushed to the edge of Thompson’s own technical limits. The result is a debut that feels immediate, exposed, and singular.
The final track on the album, “Fragmentation” encompasses the total feel of the album. Thompson states, “This track is the central statement of the project, both musically and lyrically; accepting what is gone, allowing oneself to grieve, reconnecting with the true self, and letting go. It explores the ways grief can show up in unexpected moments, and how its influence seems to be cyclical. How tempting it is to fall into the comfort of romanticizing your past, and how difficult it can be to give yourself the grace to move forward without guilt. I wrote “Fragmentation” as a way to confront and detangle an unhealthy web I’d woven for myself.”
ENCASEMENT was recorded, mixed, and mastered by James Thompson. The record will be released on LP (100 on Blood Red vinyl) through Hypaethral Records and on CD (200, 6-panel digipack) through I, Voidhanger Records.
Encasement Track Listing:
1. Inertia
2. Exodus
3. Apparitions
4. The Pillory
5. Absolution
6. Fragmentation
Photo by Gen Pintel
If you’re interested in streaming the album or want to know more about ENCASEMENT follow these links.
https://hypaethralrecords.bandcamp.com/album/encasement
https://www.instagram.com/encasementband