black metal
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lyBrace yourselves, something haunting and bizarre is coming. Of course, black metal is already quite fearsome as it is but some bands like to add some more utter wickedness to the traditional sound. These bands are being categorized as 'avant-garde black metal', a region where acts like Aluk Todolo, Ved Buens Ende, Blut Aus Nord and Deathspell Omega roam. This year, there seems to be a fierce competitor for the blackened throne.
Virvel Av Morkerhatet was formed from the ruins of the band Den Of Winter in 2008. A few years later a debut was released, mostly with old Den Of Winter era material. However, in 2013 the Ukrainian band changed course. Other influences infiltrated their music, resulting in a massive, bleak, chaotic and eerie sound. 'Metamorphosia', the second album is something completely different from the debut, but in no way less intense.
The songs on 'Metamorphosia' are complex and seemingly chaotic pieces of black metal, often reminding me of acts like Satyricon or Wolves In The Throne Room. Yet, there also seem to be some elements from either jazz, noise rock and experimental noise, all of them hidden behind a thick wall of blackened intensity. For the untrained ear, and perhaps even for some seasoned black metal fans, this might be a hard pill to swallow.
Yet, it's definitely worth the effort. Beyond the overall strangeness of this album, there are some fierce, blasting songs. 'Metamorphopsia Diagnosis' is probably one of my favorites, thriving on pure metallic insanity and way too overwhelming for most people to bear. 'Dissociative Disorder' also reminds me a bit of The Kovenant, even though there are no industrial electronics present. The atmosphere and the outlandish approach to the genre seem quite similar.
Now, I know I said 'no industrial electronics' but there are some keyboards, samples and effects present, quite minimalistic and, again, hidden behind the brutal riffs and pounding drums. They perfectly enhance the already dark atmosphere and make 'Stupefying Taste Of Henbane. Coma Ritual' one of the most mesmerizing black metal tunes I've ever heard, especially when the harsh noise elements come in.
In all, avant-garde black metal fans should check this out. This is one hell of an album, punishing, embroiling and throat-snapping. I'm now mostly curious about live performances. I'd really like to see these guys to this on stage. I'm sure it will be an overwhelming experience. I'm also quite certain that they will split up the audience into two groups. The ones who are absolutely raving about this sound and the ones who just can't handle this much bizarre chaotic metal.
Serge
Virvel Av Morkerhatet was formed from the ruins of the band Den Of Winter in 2008. A few years later a debut was released, mostly with old Den Of Winter era material. However, in 2013 the Ukrainian band changed course. Other influences infiltrated their music, resulting in a massive, bleak, chaotic and eerie sound. 'Metamorphosia', the second album is something completely different from the debut, but in no way less intense.
The songs on 'Metamorphosia' are complex and seemingly chaotic pieces of black metal, often reminding me of acts like Satyricon or Wolves In The Throne Room. Yet, there also seem to be some elements from either jazz, noise rock and experimental noise, all of them hidden behind a thick wall of blackened intensity. For the untrained ear, and perhaps even for some seasoned black metal fans, this might be a hard pill to swallow.
Yet, it's definitely worth the effort. Beyond the overall strangeness of this album, there are some fierce, blasting songs. 'Metamorphopsia Diagnosis' is probably one of my favorites, thriving on pure metallic insanity and way too overwhelming for most people to bear. 'Dissociative Disorder' also reminds me a bit of The Kovenant, even though there are no industrial electronics present. The atmosphere and the outlandish approach to the genre seem quite similar.
Now, I know I said 'no industrial electronics' but there are some keyboards, samples and effects present, quite minimalistic and, again, hidden behind the brutal riffs and pounding drums. They perfectly enhance the already dark atmosphere and make 'Stupefying Taste Of Henbane. Coma Ritual' one of the most mesmerizing black metal tunes I've ever heard, especially when the harsh noise elements come in.
In all, avant-garde black metal fans should check this out. This is one hell of an album, punishing, embroiling and throat-snapping. I'm now mostly curious about live performances. I'd really like to see these guys to this on stage. I'm sure it will be an overwhelming experience. I'm also quite certain that they will split up the audience into two groups. The ones who are absolutely raving about this sound and the ones who just can't handle this much bizarre chaotic metal.
Serge
