Nidernes / Candelabrum – Elegies for the Radiance Lost [Split]

Behold! Altare Productions and Black Gangrene Productions have offered us a split release featuring tracks from two notable names within the Portuguese Black Metal underground. An exciting prospect when considering the output from these two particular outfits; Nidernes and Candelabrum are two contingents of the fascinating raw landscape of modern Portuguese Black Metal, the former having become renowned for a sound that is deranged, unsettled, bloodthirsty and quite epic. Whilst the latter, Candelabrum, having made waves through the underground with a slower and more introspective, meditative approach.

Whilst both subscribing to the white noise ambience and greyscale production style of many of their scene contemporaries, the two artists appearing on this split each perform music of a considerably different intention. The initial two tracks of the record are helmed by Nidernes. Track one ‘Profound Darkness Reflects my Dreams’ opens with a gothic organ section and harmonised choral keys. The stage is set for the arrival of Nidernes’ hasty and commanding vim and vigour. The vocals have a pained, ‘last stand on the fated battlefield’ shriek that is delivered with considerable power, and they soar gallantly amongst the metallic cymbal hits and the rapid, emotive guitar progressions. Track two offers more of the same hyperactive tempo, with some pleasant lead guitar melodies and morbid spoken word embellishments. The lengthy composition gradually builds to an even higher intensity before closing out with the return of the organ, a transition that I feel nicely befits the arrival of Candelabrum. The three following tracks relax the tempo so that the keys, which are a focal point of this artist’s sound, can take a higher precedent within the mix. There is a subtle degree of Dungeon Synth influence to Candelabrum’s sound, and the steady tempo complements the hypnotising nature of this anguished dissonance. The final track ‘From Beyond the Veil’ is dominated by sustained keys that ring out over the hushed, murky guitars with a sad but soothing allure.

‘Elegies for the Radiance Lost’ showcases much of what makes the modern Portuguese Black Metal sound so interesting. A uniquely artistic, intentionally obscured production style with contributions from two artists where the tracks range from gritty, swift belligerence to shimmering, and melancholic malaise.