Aendreth is a new creation or output by the ever prolific and always hyper-creative multi-instrumentalist Justin Vølus. It is described as Avant-garde Black Metal by the label. Avant-garde may be a bit far-reached here, though. I’d stick to Post-Black Metal with shards of DSBM and other alternative and experimental Black Metal subgenres.
With Aendreth we see Justin Vølus venture into a more experimental realm, this time the realm of Black Metal music. Is this a transient incursion or will we be seeing more of these experimental escapades by Mr. Vølus in the future? Only time will tell.
According to the press release from Vargheist Recs., ‘Elegy of the Necrochosen’ is a demonic revelation of the end, divided into 6 chapters, being the first 6 tracks on the album. Followed by an esoteric description of those chapters in a most biblical way.
Never mind that, Like I said: this is a very potent and flammable mix of dissonant Black Metal with more experimental post-Black Metal. I even hear Shoegaze and Stoner Doom riffing in some parts. Influences and inspiration ranging from Leviathan, Xasthur, Austere, Deathspell Omega, Celtic Frost (‘Monotheïst’ era) are being exchanged in a vortex of apocalyptic Black Metal culminating into a pitch-black slime of musical insanity.
The atmosphere is suffocating and stifling, with elusive atmospheric guitars appearing and vanishing throughout the tracks. The songs are accompanied by a solid and very flexible drum that immediately pulls everything together. Vocals are grim and beckoning you to plunge into the abyss.
And as the Revelation of the End of Days continues, you begin to grasp the complexity and craftmanship on this album. Justin Vølus managed to distill the essence of different subgenres and cook up his version of ‘Avant-garde'(yet dark, obscure and bleak) Black Metal.
A mere 30 minutes in playing time, 7 tracks. But what goes on, on this album is nothing short of a masterpiece! It makes you wonder just how Justin Vølus does it. This is high quality Black Metal with a divine production and very delicately balanced in every aspect. The stuff you’ll normally find on Sentient Ruin Laboratories or Profound Lore Records. Avant-garde or not, it still has enough cojones to blow you off your fukkin’ feet!
VM-Underground ought to do an interview with master Justin Vølus to unveil his ethos, his creative urges, his projects and Vargheist Records.
I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND this album to everyone who is into great music. A limited CD run is available from Vargheist Records USA. Get it while it’s out.
