Ixone
For every Black Metal listener with a preference for ferocity over coldness, this album might just be right up your alley. Judging by the album cover alone, it might not seem that way, but the second the second track (the first one is, of course, an intro) kicks in, you’re in for a wild ride. Having been in production for over four years before finally seeing the light of day, it’s easy to (rightfully) assume that this is a carefully written and well-executed record.
Although Krafthur is classified as a Blackened Death Metal band, I see it more as an incredibly intense Black Metal band with Death Metal production—but that’s just a matter of personal taste. Naturally, one might compare it to Marduk, a fitting comparison given its inclusion of a cover of La Grande Danse Macabre on Acenando aos Pesadelos do Passado. I’ll admit it—this cover alone earned the album extra points in my book.
Musically, the album is nothing short of relentless in every way. The drums are packed with ridiculously fast, punchy blast beats, but there’s enough variation to keep the songs from blending together. This also amplifies the impact of the slower moments when they come. The guitars are complemented by a thick, pounding bassline that helps bring the chaotic yet grounded riffs into focus. However, my favorite aspect of the sound is the vocal performance. The vocalist not only knows exactly what he’s doing, but he also adds an ominous, deathlike harshness to his screams, making them sound as though his vocal cords are rotting. His performance takes center stage on the album, pulling listeners deeper into an atmosphere of sheer terror. The alternations between higher-pitched screams and low, Death Metal-style growls are a testament to his skill and a perfect match for such a punishing record.
Despite the album’s intensity, the songwriting is surprisingly creative. The inclusion of slower or mid-paced tempos offers moments of respite before the onslaught continues. These sequences can be found in tracks like Sohnos Infinitos and O Muro Interio se Vira ao Meu Lado. Songs like these demonstrate the band’s ability to craft intriguing and innovative musical structures and motifs without veering into avant-garde territory or feeling out of place. A small downside, however, is that during these slower passages, the vocal style occasionally shifts into a strange half-harsh, half-clean technique. While I understand the artistic intention behind this choice, I feel it wasn’t entirely necessary and slightly detracts from the overall atmosphere. On the other hand, the band did an excellent job with the cover of La Grande Danse Macabre. It stayed faithful to the original while seamlessly incorporating a distinct soundscape. Compared to countless covers I’ve heard over the years, this one truly understood the assignment.
To wrap things up, there’s no doubt that Acenando aos Pesadelos do Passado is an album deserving of more praise and recognition. It’s an excellent debut, and Krafthur seems poised to become a celebrated act in the underground scene. All we can do now is wait and see.
Label: Vacula Productions
Release date: December 30, 2023
Website: https://krafthur.bandcamp.com/album/acenando-aos-pesadelos-do-passado
Country: Ukraine
Score: my writers are out of control, but 4.5/5.0 from Ixone!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 