So, with Pestilential Shadows, they have always been on my rotation of faves for many different reasons. So after hearing ‘Wretch’, their latest out on Northern Silence Productions, they have skyrocketed even further up my list. This can definitely be part of my year-end list. So I’m sure you are thinking, just why has this release further elevated itself upon me, and for what reasons? Well, you are here and reading this, so sit back and let me explain my rationale. You are not doing anything anyway…right?
Now I am an old-school metalhead. I look for bands that have that imagery and also maintain it through the years. Despite all the naysayers and the fickle winds of what is cool and what is not. So having said that, I love and respect the visuals that the band continues to maintain. They are most definitely not corpse paint shy. Plus you have to admit, it’s partly why you got into Black Metal in the first place, right? On the same subject of their look, you would almost expect a Marduk-style blitzkrieg of unholy Black Metal, but there, my friends, you would be wrong. The band’s sound is an amalgamation of Mephorash and maybe early Dimmu Borgir, and also, here is the kicker. You get notes of Satyricon via the ‘Nemesis Divina’ album, how cool is that? What I find to be of great interest as well is how everything is incorporated, so smoothly, no harsh dynamics or abrupt mood changes, it all just flows. It’s amazing how something inherently cold and stark can have a warmth and texture and still convey a necessary darkness and also an underlying sense of dread. I mention Satyricon because those first 3 albums solidified and formed much of what I call Black Metal. Listen to ‘Where the Sunlight Goes to Die’ and you will know and hear what I’m talking about.
I’m not saying unequivocally that this matches those groundbreaking albums, but to have that general flavor and atmosphere that harkens to those moments, well, I would call that special. Another aspect I take to heart is that despite a host of member changes, the sole remaining original member, ‘Balam’, has continued to maintain the integrity and stylistic vision despite all the world has set upon him/ the band. Yes, maybe I’m a bit melodramatic, but props need to be given for said perseverance. If anything that has maybe “changed” is that yes, understandably so, youth can have their sound and songwriting being more harsh and or cold stylistically in earlier output. With age comes wisdom, and this album has just encapsulated more of their history, experience, and perhaps total vision, and is a sum of all they have wished to achieve.
So, having raved about this release and yes, I am old school (emphasis on old), it’s a welcome foray when something still stokes the embers of that fire within. From the band’s sound, the presentation, to hold the physical release (whatever your chosen preference) that is a total package, to be able to sit and absorb the artwork, that ritual of opening the packaging, to anticipate the sound of the band bursting forth from the speakers, you know that it’s going to be good. Admit it…you know you do that, want that.
If you have been a fan of Pestilential Shadows, this will continue to have you pressing that play button again and again. If you are new to the band, please take that first step and see for yourselves.
