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Ghaal's Wyrd
"GastiR- Ghosts Invited"
So I started writing this review before even finishing the album, because quite frankly, it's that good and I had to say so. And then the album finished and I immediately started playing it again. Don't expect a long review, because really just do yourself the favor and go listen to the album.
Musically it's superb. The guitar work runs the gamut of classic burning black metal riffage to haunting atmospherics, and works in tandem with Gaahl's voice wonderfully. The two blend perfectly to emphasize the intended feel and atmosphere of each song, from howling rage to melancholic contemplation. The drumming is precise, never too much or too little. It's organic and paced, fast when it needs to be and spread out when called for. Blazing speed to haunting slow tribal doom. And the bass is not only noticeable, but superbly done. Rumbling underneath the vocal melody and gluing the guitar and drums together, all while maintaining its own presence.
The vocal work, bluntly, is some of the absolute best I've heard. Gaahl has always been one of my favorite vocalists, but he takes it to the next level here. From his classic burning roars to hauntingly beautiful tones that are on par with the Peaceville gothic metal staples, he does it all. Dark chanting, ethereal howls, melodic singing, and high pitched wailing. And he does so at the perfect moments, delivering nuanced performances that suit each song and truly push the album above and beyond.
Its aggressive, contemplative, melancholic, celebratory, ancient, primal, beautiful, spiritual, and altogether powerful. I cannot recommend giving it a spin enough, even if black metal is not normally your thing. Even at its most aggressive it never loses its melody, never sacrifices its nuance.
You can pick up copies via Bandcamp and Season of Mist!
Gaerea 2/17/23
Come and Take It Live
Photos by me.
Carach Angren 2/17/23
Come and Take It Live
Photos by me.
Rotting Christ 2/17/23
Come and Take It Live
Photos by me.
Alföld
Thy Catafalque
One of my favorite releases this year, a stunning mix of metal, folk, classical, electronica, and whatever else Tamás Kátai felt like, as usual. From bludgeoning death metal to ominous horns to spacey synths to atmospheric, emotionally gripping black metal, this album has it all. If a breadth of style and superbly-blended disparate elements are your thing, this album is worth spinning.
The album can be purchased from Bandcamp and Season of Mist.