Black Metal History Month- Vorga : "Striving Toward Oblivion"

 

This German band rather than following an anti-cosmic path, is rathe enamored by the cosmos using sci fi themes. They carry a similar rage as Dissection despite this lyrical difference. Very precise they charge full speed ahead but still allow for room for dynamics. It takes a few listens for it grow on me and pay enough attention to the deeper layers of guitar. The mid-range snarl of the vocals is angry enough, though not the most dynamic element of their sound. There are some melodic slower passages on "Comet" that offers a wider range of color Even these do not really find any wheels being re-invented. 

There is a lower tone to the guitar on "Disgust" that conveys more aggression. Tempo-wise it is almost uniform with the pacing of the first two songs. There are aa few hookier riffs, but the rule here is cool riffs alone does not a good song make. It is clear when they slow down and get more deliberate, they tend to be more effective song writers and heavier. The double bass is blazing when it is not the blast beat beats more often than not. The throb of the riff that leads into "Stars My destination" reminds me of Inquisition. Not the first time this month a band has invoked that feeling. Granted they are kind of descendants of Immortal, who are this band's other influence aside from Dissection. At this point in the album heaviness alone is not going to do it for me and I am going to need some more textures and find our if there are any other tricks up these guys sleeves.   

"Going into "Last Transmission" at full blast ahead does not do a great deal to win me over. Three and a half minutes into the song it breaks down into a slower more melodic section. It also makes me think the whole sci-fi thing is window dressing to disguise the fact this is pretty straight forward Swedish sounding black metal. The more Watain like vibe to the riff of "Fool's Paradise" regains my interest a little and the thrashing riff on the verses works as well. "Taken" sets its course to more standard modern black metal tempo, these guys just know how to break it up with a cool riff, which I have already shared the rule about that here. There is a slower throb going into the last song. The verse riff follow suit but inject it with something catchier that reminds me of 90s Samael. I will round this down to an 8.5, these guys have potential, but I would like to hear them break away a little more from conventions. Perhaps adding some space to the proceedings.