ALBUM REVIEW: Múspellzheimr – Raukn

Fresh from the Danish scene is the 3rd full length album from Múspellzheimr, bringing some Raw Black Metal ritualism. Set for release via Amor Fati Productions on September 2nd. Originally released Digitally and on Tape last year, this release is now being handled for wider consumption to spread the sickening flame of the band to wider shores.

The bleak opening atmospheric riffs drive out a powerful ambience coupled with subtle synths, akin to GARDSGHASTR on their debut full length, a sound I have fallen in love with. Crisp depravity cascades forth from the guitars over a blasting array of drum patterns, setting up the haunting howls of the vocalist for a cathartically mournful yet powerfully pained style of expression that suits the music gorgeously. There is a weird off-kilter feel between the drums and the rest of the sounds that keeps an unhinging atmosphere to the spewed rawness. A strong wave of dissonant guitar work and medieval synths is ever-present to keep the dungeon-dwelling vibe of the sonic onslaught  intact while there is a stunningly depraved sense of melodious convulsion. Oozing with an occult vibrancy, there is tension to spare, with a forebodingly nasty approach to the songwriting that is only rivalled by the equally despairing rawness of the production, making for a concoction of truly evil music. Minus the synths, there is a strong resemblance to the likes of BLACK CILICE, another of my favourite Black Metal projects dominating the scene at this time, so certainly no complaints there. Arguably the repetition and primal nature of the songwriting is what gives it a hypnotic feel but these maniacs take it one step further with some completely random ambience or clean sections that truly invoke a much more sinister and volatile spirit rather than a straight-forward barrage of blasts, they offer something unique and new that is sanguineous and frighteningly dark. This record has a marvellous array of cult Black Metal bravado and disturbingly marvellous atmospheric flourishes that keep you on your toes while sinking you ever deeper into the excellency of their mesmerising lunatic soundscapes. Surely this is not for the light-hearted headbanger but the consumer of the more audaciously macabre delights that the underground has to offer, so while not for the masses, this delivers a special experience that is fantastically down-to-earth and retains a cutting edge through its beautifully tranquil yet violently rupturing pounding of killer songwriting and sparsely depressive atmospheres. There is no denying the ultimately ferocious combination of ripping assaults with intoxicating, haunting melodics is perfect balanced with the filthily raw feel of the record. I am exceptionally glad that this release will hopefully gain a bit more traction due to Amor Fati while still remaining suitably underground as it certainly is a diamond in the rough, conjuring a fine combination of classic Black Metal with some stunningly uprooting twists in sound. A totally fierce, gorgeously tranquil and mesmerisingly depraved album with some of the most unforgettably twisted ambient touches you shall hear this year. -8.5/10