The debut album of mystical Black Metallers GOLDEN LIGHT is here. Promising a unique yet somewhat orthodox venture into a desolate and forgotten realm of Black Metal. Out via Iron Bonehead Productions on April 24th. The time to step into the glistening aura of raw, melancholic extremism is now.
Ice cold guitars and a blizzard of blasting drums sets in with a raw tremble of curiously bleak yet ravenous Black Metal, stunning synths subtly underlining this tempest of instrumental prowess. A harsh and scathing sound that is admittedly beautiful and even tranquil drops into whisper-like howling and dissonant riffs amidst hammering drums, accentuating this idyllic pasture of luminous and brilliant extremity. Though the almost depressive touches add a hauntingly spectral element, this is not some laid-back material, it is an unfalteringly abrasive listen, even if a splendidly gorgeous one.
The very stripped back, primitive mixing style allows the band to freely churn forth a discordant and otherworldly onslaught flawlessly. Truly an astonishing soundscape to behold with plentiful progressive and experimental touches that never feel obnoxious or there for the sake of it. This record is volatile but in a very focal and uncompromising manner that never feels disingenuous. Rivetingly unhinged and with a clear conviction to do something unique in a piercing and relentless yet never reckless or unnecessarily impulsive manner, this is a distinguished inferno of pure blackened bliss.
These four pieces of melodically ferocious and chilling Black Metal are certainly an unforgettable listen, forgoing any modern pretence while still retaining a unique and memorable range of ideas amidst the well-known and beloved Black Metal formula. With convulsive rhythms, endlessly consistent and energetic drums, visceral and emotive riffs, all backing up a slew of unearthly vocals, there is clearly a complete vision that comes to life on this conjuration of glistening violence. Truly impeccable.
Golden Light represent both a traditionalist desire to keep certain elements of Black Metal very much alive while rewriting the ideals and making something splendid and mystical, a feeling that they very much convey on their debut record. Thoroughly enjoyable, enticing and certainly hypnotic. This is one of those records that inarguably shows Black Metal is still going strong and has something new to offer for those willing to search the underground. An astonishing and unforgettable first album by all accounts, submit to the all-consuming glow of Golden Light! A malicious, transcendental, stunning and unearthly listen from start to end, truly a masterful work of the Black Metal arts. -9/10
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