![hænesy / autumn nostalgie – awakening mechanon [split]](https://www.vm-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Haenesy-Autumn-Nostalgie-Awakening-Mechanon-Split-cover.jpg "Hænesy / Autumn Nostalgie – Awakening Mechanon [Split]")
Info
- Band(s): Autumn Nostalgie, Hænesy
- Label(s): Northern Silence Productions
- Release Format(s): CD, Split
- Release Year: 2023
- Review Date: July 2, 2023
- Author(s): Colin McNamara
Here we have a bit of an interesting Black Metal split between two similar, but different bands. It isn’t set up in the traditional split like a half and half from each band, but like a sandwich. The first and last track are from Hungary based Hænesy who have been around since 2017 and perform a rather melancholic style of Black Metal, like Deafheaven meets Xasthur, and the middle two are from Slovakia’s Autumn Nostalgie that perform music more in the style of ‘Moonlover’ Ghostbath- not so piano and atmospheric but very heavily melodic. Both do have their own atmosphere but in their own way. Right from a track like ‘Through the Storm of Everlasting Complaints’ regarding Hænesy, the drawn out intro with the bells, the dramatic guitar sections and just rather almost acoustic, Doom Metal approach to the music sets this 3 piece aside from the other. The vocals, which are apparently dual, do seem a bit faded and pushed back and have that tortured snarl/ howl to them which suits the music very well, but at the same time hinders it as it feels more like a backing part than a lead, making the long track feel more like an instrumental piece than the typical Black Metal song with vocals and lyrics. One thing that can be said though for Hænesy is they know how to create a mood, and while the average Black Metal listener might sneer at them for being too atmospheric, their song structures are still engaging and twisted enough that they evoke the Depressive/ Atmospheric Black Metal sound well enough.
On the other side of the coin there is Autumn Nostalgie who is a bit newer to the music world. Not really breaking ground until 2020 with their debut, they’ve been subtly active since 2010, but their style is a bit more raucous and energetic compared to Hænesy. Also delving into lengthy tracks, there are ones like ‘Sarepta’ where one can hear the tremolo picking melodies, thumping drums, and anguished vocals but the style is certainly almost ‘happier’ than the what has been heard before. It is a bit conflicting, but like Ghostbath’s work here and there, the whole ironic ‘happy melodies mixed with anguished lyrics and vocal styles’ shouldn’t be anything new. This style is a bit more what the average Black Metal listener will lean towards, and despite a less ‘quieted down’ style, the wailing guitar solos and clearer vocals still present plenty of atmosphere. While Autumn Nostalgie may not present as much diversity at Hænesy, being that Hænesy is very good at heavy sections then very soft then heavy again, Autumn’s tracks feel very cohesive all the way through. It is a bit lengthy and does drag on; the lack of slower moments make listeners feel they can listen to the 3 minute mark, skip to minute 7, and still feel like they picked up right where they left off. But, between both bands, the level of melody and atmosphere is strong for both. Those who like the more ferocious Norwegian style like that of Gorgoroth will feel this is a bit too ‘whispery,’ but those who enjoy Depressive or Atmospheric Black Metal acts like Lustre or even Ghostbath will certainly enjoy it. There isn’t too much to judge from this split, but both artists have a few albums under their belt to check out if one wants to delve more into either Hænesy or Autumn Nostalgie.
