
The world of music seems to share that ability. Even headstrong styles like black metal seem to be able to burn the past and evolve, renew. Out of the ashes of old school black metal new subgenres have been evolving, and Misanthropic Rage thrives in that progressive nature.
In 'Igne Natura Renovatur Integra' we meet an astounding array of influences, from vintage black metal to melodic acts like Amorphis or Primordial and from pagan ritualism to the shoegazing guitars of The Cure. Like the tentacles of an octopus, Misanthropic Rage borrows elements from death, black, doom, shoegaze, post rock, avant garde ritual music and many more. Yet, somehow the band manages to turn it all into a coherent and infectious sound.
What surprised me the most is the overall level of both quality and variation. These are not quickly arranged piece of black metal. On the very contrary. Opening with a brilliant 'Call All Your Angels', this album is loaded with extreme anthems from a very high level. It's hard to pick out highlights. 'Abstrakt' is one of my favorites, a harsh song with an industrial feel that Satyricon might have wanted to write.
'I.N.R.I.' is another blast, one that doesn't just invite you to fiercely bang your head but brutally forces you to. 'The Agony Of The Breath' is another one of my personal favorites. One where both eighties new wave and the industrial black metal metal of Samael comes to mind. The rest is up to you. If you are into progressive and avant garde black metal, there is no reason why you should not get your hands on a copy of this thing.
Serge