My interest in black metal seems to be having a resurgence. Surprisingly, I have never given this band from Oregan a chance. This could be because I am typically not into American black metal, but there seems to be a resurgence in that as well after the hipsters turned their backs on it and deemed it problematic. They shift through first-wave-flavored black metal that is not unlike Watain in some ways. Vocally, there are some similarities in the way the vocals are delivered, though Eirk has a more menacing tone. They don't sound like they are from America. These guys do not sound Scandinavian either, but if you said they were from Belgium or the Netherlands, then I would have believed you.
They incorporate clean guitar for the minute interlude that is "Backwards Commandments". "Hanged Angels as Patternwalls." They are not actual Satanists and just dressing up the song like Venom did. They are more adventurous when it comes to guitar playing than Venom and are not as punk-oriented, though the arrangements can get a little chaotic. They are not catchy, but create a punchy swirl of sinister atmosphere that creates the effective sound we think of as black metal. I was more impressed by the sound summoned on the first song. "The Sharpening " makes it clear it's the early thrash influence on black metal that they have ingested the most, which draws comparison to the first wave bands. The racing riffs begin to feel like they are just thrown against the wall to see what sticks. Sure, you can bang your head to it, but as these songs are going to inspire me to want to listen to them again.
"First Levitation" starts off with more deliberate riffing then begins to rush into the snarling feral madness. But they do emerge with some riffs that are much more memorable than what we heard in the previous song. The vocals are inchoherent barking that feels more obligatory than not, this is where Watain has the upper hand over them as Erik locks into the song much more. They are capable of melodic playing but only use it for intros; there is an impressive one that leads into "Second Liturgy," then the song threatens to race out from under them. To their credit, they do not default to blast beats. It feels like they put more effort into the songwriting on this one. Midway a creepy, more Mercyful Fate-like riff is introduced, which is the album's best moment. They need to lean into this more.
On the last song, they split the difference between the more memorable Mercyful Fate school of songwriting and the unhinged chaos they thrash out. Their need for speed often gets the best of them, until they back off into a melodic interlude. There are few more deliberate moments, but not as impressive as the previous song.I think the hype train behind the album might have more momentum to it than other albums where black metal is being done in a manner that serves the songs. I will give this one an 8.5. I understand what appeals to people and it sounds good, not the most song-focused release. IT dropped on Prodound Lore.
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pt517
