ALBUM REVIEW: Departure Chandelier – Antichrist Rise To Power

Here is another review for a fantastic Black Metal release that slipped under my radar, the debut full length album of Departure Chandelier which is out now via Nuclear War Now Productions! Time to delve into some Napoleonic Black Metal.

From the Dungeon Synth style introduction, the dark and brooding aesthetic of the band is captured and made clear beautifully. The first appearance of guitars is raw and gruesome with blasting interval hits and hard-hitting, upbeat drums. Melodically enchanting synths draw the bridge down for the vocals to begin their sombre path. The shimmeringly raw yet charming soundscapes created by the band sound truly medieval in a way the entices you to the deepest dungeon in which to experience the historic values of the band, portrayed by some of the most simplistically enjoyable and old-school Black Metal. The album features some fabulously orchestrated atmospherics, raw grooves, hooks and punches and plenty of dismally mournful cascades that drape the violent history lesson upon you in a package suited to fans of classic extremities. I especially enjoyed some of the more sorrowful sounding sections which still retained a pummelling aggression that reeked of the 90s in the most gorgeous ways. Primitive in nature but with plenty of character, this album is certainly a very enjoyable experience that has some unique soundscapes while keeping things on the more basic side. Certainly worth a listen! -8.5/10