Sometimes doing reviews can make me seem like a simplistic dullard. Because at times certain bands come along that leave me feeling lacklustre and so inept at truly describing what I’m hearing. I’ve been aware of and listening to the band almost since their inception in 2019. Full disclosure, I will say I was at first drawn to their imagery, but then their music took hold of me and just refused to let go. You cannot say that has not happened to you at some point. Upon pressing play on the latest release, a wave of inspiration, nostalgia, and sheer awe washed over me. I say these things because the band and their music evoke a multitude of emotions and reactions from me. Hence my trepidation in what to describe to you, dear reader, in this predicament I’m experiencing. Where the debut had its moments of stark and minimal 2nd wave Darkthrone-ish Black Metal, there was also a prevalent ambient/instrumental aspect being put forth as well. The debut was an exercise in mood, this album builds upon it, minus the ambient instrumentals. It seems the new formation of the band took a much more back-to-basics approach and just let the sound speak for itself. Now just a 3-piece, but no less stunning soundwise. Since the passing of time and changes in the members. The status quo has changed to become something more straightforward, and I don’t wanna say minimalistic, but there is an overall strength that has become the prime motivator in the band’s sound now. The varied attack has now become a single knife stroke of emotion and rage. The music itself has become much more of a potent force. Here, the music evokes its own form of darkness. There is such an occult miasma prevalent throughout the music contained. We don’t need another kill the priest, rape the nun, and burn the church diatribe. That can be found elsewhere, so it’s here where I get back to my initial dilemma. How to describe the nuances and the subtle differences in the band that set them just a bit apart from others of their ilk.
The music itself could be a bit of the age old euphemism were something old is new. The sound is definitely rooted in old school. Much of their approach is based in the core of the 2nd wave. Early Gorgoroth, Darkthrone, Horna, and perhaps Bethlehem as well. I mention the last band because this is where I see the band diverge a bit. No typical satanic rapefest, but a psychological dread permeates this release. Not bleak and suicidal, but a sense that you are down in the depths of your own personal darkness, and the music is presented to guide you through it. I describe it as such because it inspires me to somehow write and evoke the auditory mélange in front of me. Because, truth be told, the atmosphere of dread does envelope you. Headphones, a darkened room, and your drink of choice could very well be conducive to achieving your own interpretation.
The production has well ties in to the overall approach to what the band achieves musically. We are in 2026; do we need another lo-fi, recorded-in-a-closet release? Doodswens say thee nay. While not quite bound in nostalgia. there is a sense of the modern. There is a clarity and starkness prevalent here. Minimal is the presentation, but atmosphere is off the charts. I will speak here of their recent live album. This album is a stunning representation of the stark atmosphere, and a sound that just cuts through you.
Now, being a 3-piece, the band keeps things straight to the point. Vocalist ‘I’ does double duty on the drums as well. I have trouble walking, looking at my phone, and chewing gum at the same time. So a huge respect for ‘I’. To sing and play at the same time, all the while evoking said atmosphere and maintaining a quality throughout.
I have mentioned I am a fan of old-school aesthetic; the corpse paint, the presentation of such, has a total package. I’m an artist, and I listen with my eyes as well. The imagery to me is truly striking. The artist and metal nerd within me just can’t sit still and heap praise upon this aspect. The cover photo/ art on this release and also the aforementioned live album have me in rapt awe. I’m sure we all know of Gorgoroth and their visual approach, most especially their live in Krakow concert DVD. This to me just touches upon it, but perhaps in a more subdued manner. I digress tho, and please don’t let my fanboy enthusiasm dissuade you. On that note, I have seen some of the band’s live performances on YouTube and appreciate what they are setting out to do. I feel the band should amp up the occult ritual in the live setting. I would hope (and like, of course) that, in perhaps better conditions, they enhance that ritualistic atmosphere further. I feel the band has that going for them, and this would just amplify that aspect and take hold of the audience that much more.
Now yes, I’ve gone and basically said this is the second coming of Lucifer itself but in this day and age and also with this withered old soul… it’s nice to have something that makes you want to break out the original vinyl, the demo cassettes, the photocopied zines, all that which initially drew you/me/us into the scene. To experience that in the here and now, I find that truly special. Take a listen and see/hear for yourselves.
