Polish Black Metal has already established itself as its own school of thought in our small community. It’s hard to define it precisely. However, the sound of human decadence is the first thing that comes to mind. Kir is trying to portray that, but from an urban perspective in L’appel du Vide. You’d think that with such a title, this would be a mellow Post-Rock album, but no—this is as dirty as it gets. Still, it would be good to know more about the quality of the work itself, right? Stick around, kid.
One way to describe Kir is as if you took Groza and extracted everything sentimental about it, leaving only the pain and unrelenting commitment to destroy everything in its path. Nihilism is its calling card, and the void is our only destination from the start. I love how hostile and heavy this thing is, yet delivered in just a bit more than 30 minutes. Proof that you don’t need much time to obliterate the ears of most of us. I get a strange feeling when I listen to this album. On one hand, I feel like I’ve heard it all before; on the other, I’m captivated by its sound, its power, and its emotional rawness.
I could draw comparisons to any band in the Polish scene since Kir owes a lot to it. But I want to focus on what’s original here: the strange combination of elements reminiscent of films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and the theme of imperial decay. The highs and lows of our civilizations are almost embodied in how the album gradually becomes heavier and more chaotic. If it’s fair to say that it starts as a reliable Black Metal album, by the time we reach “Apoptosis”, L’appel has built so much momentum and cathartic energy that it feels like a relief to see everything crumble and fall apart. It’s the ending demanded by all those blast beats, intense Norwegian-style riffs, and utterly visceral vocals.
Now, my only reservation with the album might sound a bit silly, but it’s a compliment at the same time. I feel like Kir is playing it safe here, and there’s so much more this project can offer. I enjoyed the second half of the album more than the first, and I suspect that’s because the band sort of “loosens up” by the time we get to the most epic tracks. There are several moments that are effective but too familiar. Like, I love fries, but I’ve had them so many times! However, I don’t want to take away from an album that shows so much promise.
This year has left a few surprises for us, and I think Kir is one of them. It’s not just the fitting artwork; it’s the whole journey that, though short, leaves a lasting impression. Polish Black Metal can rest assured that its future is alive and well if more acts like this keep popping up. Like, Kraków is really a in dark winter—seriously. Keep the investment in public areas as it is, Poland, and that engulfing darkness will keep fueling Metal this solid.
Did I mention the digital album costs less than a beer? Just saying
Label: Godz of War Productions
Release date: 06 December 2024
Website: https://kirmetal.bandcamp.com/album/lappel-du-vide
Country: Poland
Score: I’m feeling generous with the underground, so 3.8/5.0
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