Suffering so you don't have to!
In the sea of heavy releases we have this autumn, sometimes I feel like giving a chance to the little guy. It’s not the first time we do it, Oriska isn’t new here, it’s a True kvlt darling, but there was something else about Oriska‘s self-titled album that drew me into the bleak, crushing depths of its Post-Metal, where soundscapes feel as cold and isolating as missing the last train at midnight in the dead of winter. If you don’t relate—lucky you. But let me share my thoughts on Oriska anyway!
How’s your Icelandic? Chances are you don’t even know how to say “hi” in this ancient language. I don’t blame you—part of Sólstafir‘s charm is that, much like its homeland, it transports us to a remote place many have never seen. Yet, it remains familiar enough to be relatable. Calling Sólstafir a “Post/Black Metal cowboy” isn’t far off. In fact, Sólstafir could be seen as the extreme, modern response to Finland’s Leningrad Cowboys. Or am I pushing my Nordic culture references too far? Anyway, let’s dive into Hin Helga Kvöl.
It’s that time of the week again, when we look at our inbox and feel infinite mercy for the little guy. When we say: enough with the clout-chasing, let’s talk about those who took the time to send us a respectful, well-written email. Even if we don’t reply directly, consider this our thoughtful response to your submission. This week, I have to admit, I’m pleasantly surprised by the quality of material we’ve received. So, let’s dive in!
Enough happy times and enjoyable music. It’s time for us to sink into the deepest despair and cry a river of tears. I hope this gloomy intro got your attention because thanks to ASCIAN (don’t confuse it with Asian, you monster!), we’re only going down from here—into more weeping and unfathomable sadness, of course. Right, we’re also here to try to grasp the quality of Sing to Me, Sweet Void (uplifting title, right?). Prepare those tissues, because you might need them by the time we’re done.
Groza is Germany’s answer to Mgła. They share that traditional rawness, that sense of melancholy, and so far, no major controversies. So, it’s a more guilt-free experience (but we’re all guilty of something, aren’t we?). Album after album, I’ve watched the band evolve from a traditional Black Metal act into a more Post-Black entity. Yet, I always feel like Groza is just one step away from truly finding its own voice on the treacherous path to originality. Is Nadir the album where it finally reaches its full potential? Grab an umbrella, because it’s about to rain tears.
You’ve heard about space Black Metal, you’ve heard about space Death Metal, even about cosmic Thrash. I guess it was about time we started hearing something about space Post-Metal. Yes, it finally happened: space has become a theme for deconstruction. Grid is volunteering to offer us an epic journey into our own interstellar origins, which already sounds refreshing, but can The World Before Us stand out in this vast universe filled with indifference? That’s what we’re here to find out!
I’d like to tell you one of my romantic stories about how I ran into Liminal Shroud, but that’d be lying more than usual. I was looking for discounts on Bandcamp and saw that Through the False Narrows was cheap, so I bought it after listening to one track. It was solid Black Metal with Prog touches. The same could be said about All Virtues Ablaze. Hence, Visions of Collapse has a difficult task ahead: overcoming solid albums that, without much drama, have solidified the band’s reputation as a respectable act. Hopefully, this won’t ruin it. Let’s go!
Alright, my fellow basement dwellers, we have our first but not last interview for MER. I had the privilege of speaking with THE band in South African Black Metal. Even if you know nothing about South Africa (shame on you!), you know that Wildernessking (Wilderness and king, do you get it?) is the most important Black/Post Metal band coming from the deep south (Not Alabama, you American-centered people!). Destiny crossed my path with Keenan because I was the first person to get a digital copy of The Writing of Gods in the Sand. Exploiting my special status, I managed to convince Keenan to open this section for us. Needless to say, Keenan is an awesome and fun guy that I can’t wait to have a beer with. But putting my fanaticism aside, I did try to keep it together and ask him questions like his influences, which are close to what you’d expect.
Welcome to Retro-Reviews, a space where I indulge in my own nostalgic reveries, reminiscing about a time that never truly existed, but one that I’ve crafted through various random albums that hold significance for me. Whether good or bad, one thing is certain: remembering can be a bittersweet journey.
Metal Eclipse Reviews 