Häxanu are here with their debut album of mystical Black Metal might, shrouded in mysterious energies. Set for release via Amor Fati Productions on April 1st.
Howling winds start our journey into darkness effectively with a simplicity that needs no explanation, the way a strong Black Metal album should start. Ambient synths soon join the add that dungeon-dwelling mystique we all know and love from Ringarė. Piercing guitars and crashing drums build in the Black Metal side of things with hauntingly spectral soundscapes to accompany the chilling ambience with some harrowing vocals to add a fierce voice to the ritualistic onslaught.
A lot of ambient Black Metal has weaker riffs and drums, relying too heavily on the synths but Häxanu are different. The riffing and drum work is nothing short of incrediblE with savage melodies blistering forth bolts of radiantly powerful musicianship akin to the Finnish movement. While barbarically intense and scathingly cold, there is a gorgeously melancholy tinged tranquillity subtly nuanced within these brazen bars of frozen trepidation.
Alongside the majestic aggression of the guitars the groove pounded out by the drummer gives a killer rhythmic punch to the ferociously harsh Black Metal monstrosities that once unleashed, cannot be tamed as the record delivers a conjuration of pure malevolence that calls forth the most depraved, mystical and occult sounds from the cosmos and concocts a refined, blistering spearhead of musical brilliance that is as captivatingly atmospheric as it is caustic and bombarding with insanely marvellous songwriting and a raw, ancient production to match the ritual sounds.
There are some notable similarities with Icelandic and Finnish Black Metal but Häxanu do something very original and unique with their thundering tempest of fierce, vibrant ambience that takes no prisoners, howling with utter disdain and containing some of the most awe-inspiring musicianship that does not feel in the least pretentious or unnecessary. With even folk-tinged melodies appearing among the abrasive, blasting scolds, nobody could argue that there is a refreshing and incredivly interesting sound to this project. Ultimately it is superb in variation and equally impressive is the bands ability to tie it all together so excellently.
There is never a dull moment, whether the band are using full force extremity or stripped back hypnotic ambience, they intertwine everything so it transcends with a natural fluidity and makes for a punishing record that will entirely envelope you with its chaotic and cathartic yet caustically frenzied music. This record crashes like a wave upon the shores of creation and its relentless ferocity will leave a mark that will be difficult to forget. Closing with a piece over seventeen minutes in length was a bold move but one that was done with a simply masterful approach, delivering one last bout of butchery while bowing out with a respectably graceful prowess.
A truly impeccable work of ancient, mystical Black Metal artistry. -9/10
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