Xasthur

Scott Conner has learned that his work can confuse people and be misread, and he has come to accept it. That idea is captured in the title of XASTHUR’s new work, “Open to Misinterpretation.” Rather than changing direction or making his music easier to access, Conner is uninterested in chasing what has worked for others or fitting neatly into a genre. That does not mean XASTHUR are standing still. “Open to Misinterpretation” is a deeper, more developed version of Conner’s musical language, with detailed, unpredictable songwriting, a stronger and more technical bass presence, varied guitar tunings, and drum programming central to the songs. The production is clearer while retaining a live, organic feel. The songs were also shaped through touring on both sides of the Atlantic, allowing audience reactions to become part of their development. Founded by the vocalist and multi-instrumentalist in 1995, XASTHUR emerged from California with roots in harsh Nordic black metal. Across ten albums, splits, EPs and demos, the project developed an individual, depressive sound. Conner ended XASTHUR in 2010, later returning with the acoustic dark folk project NOCTURNAL POISONING. He revived the XASTHUR name in 2015 while leaving black metal behind, then partly lifted that restriction on “Inevitably Dark” (2023). With “Open to Misinterpretation,” XASTHUR present a confident evolution of Conner’s sound. If it is still misunderstood, he has accepted that as part of the music itself.