black metal
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Straight away I can tell you that this is one of those cases of: ‘I really have to start checking out their earlier works’. Tasmania’s Atra Vetosus have released this EP as an interlude between their full lenght (also on IFP) and their upcoming album. And it does a splendid job of showcasing the talent of this Aussie band. It’s a single song of 22 minutes long, but it grabs you straightaway and manages to be immersive enough to keep your attention through the whole running time.
Just like a lot of IFP releases there’s a really cool ‘90s black metal vibe throughout the song. Especially ‘90s Austrian black metal. You can hear shades of early Abigor and Summoning (especially in the mid-song part) which is always a good thing. But Atra Vetous aren’t just blatant copycats. Instead they take those ideas and add their own distinct version of black metal. It’s classic and modern at the same time. The vocals for instance are leaning towards the more ‘hardcore’ side of metal vocals. Sometimes it slightly feels as if Silenius of Abigor were to front a hardcore band. Which is good, by the way.
If I’d have to give it a name, musically the EP can be described as atmospheric melodic black metal. Technically well-played, clear, all instruments well-defined, immersive, great production.... It’s just bang-on all the time. There are some nice keyboard lines that add hugely to the atmosphere, without being too much in your face all the time. A bit like Emperor and Abigor used to have on their earlier work. Also to be commended is the great use of guitar solos and the twin guitar leads.
As a final comment, I would like to mention Atra Vetosus’ talent to build up a song. ‘Ius Vitae Necisque’ is built up with a proper intro and ending, and the aforementioned Summoning-like middle part. The classic black metal lover in me likes when bands are focusing on delivering a well-made, well-structured song instead of throwing every idea they have on a huge pile and hope something comes out of it.
A seriously great EP that manages to make me both curious about their earlier work AND their upcoming work. Well done.
Bjorn
Just like a lot of IFP releases there’s a really cool ‘90s black metal vibe throughout the song. Especially ‘90s Austrian black metal. You can hear shades of early Abigor and Summoning (especially in the mid-song part) which is always a good thing. But Atra Vetous aren’t just blatant copycats. Instead they take those ideas and add their own distinct version of black metal. It’s classic and modern at the same time. The vocals for instance are leaning towards the more ‘hardcore’ side of metal vocals. Sometimes it slightly feels as if Silenius of Abigor were to front a hardcore band. Which is good, by the way.
If I’d have to give it a name, musically the EP can be described as atmospheric melodic black metal. Technically well-played, clear, all instruments well-defined, immersive, great production.... It’s just bang-on all the time. There are some nice keyboard lines that add hugely to the atmosphere, without being too much in your face all the time. A bit like Emperor and Abigor used to have on their earlier work. Also to be commended is the great use of guitar solos and the twin guitar leads.
As a final comment, I would like to mention Atra Vetosus’ talent to build up a song. ‘Ius Vitae Necisque’ is built up with a proper intro and ending, and the aforementioned Summoning-like middle part. The classic black metal lover in me likes when bands are focusing on delivering a well-made, well-structured song instead of throwing every idea they have on a huge pile and hope something comes out of it.
A seriously great EP that manages to make me both curious about their earlier work AND their upcoming work. Well done.
Bjorn
