ALBUM REVIEW: Spectral Wound – A Diabolic Thirst

Quebec Black Metal certainly has no shortage of unfathomably brilliant bands, one of which is SPECTRAL WOUND whom return with a new album, set for release on April 16th via Profound Lore Records.

Hammering drums and ice cold riffs begin a discordant battery which is otherworldly and untamed in its execution of pure sonic darkness. Dreary melancholy and ferocious intensity immediately begin to ebb and flow with a masterful conjuration of Black Metal that is instantly captivating. The emotive nature of the music is something that Canadian bands have always had an impeccable grasp of, along with the French, Finnish and Germans. Here we see soulful melodies cascade atop a brooding and volatile style of Black Metal that harkens back to the 90s without being derivative or simply dull. Storming with ethereal energies as inhuman vocals cut through a monstrous drum performance tied together by unique, memorable and superbly executed riffs, there is no doubting the musical and compositional abilities of Spectral Wound, as any familiar with the band will know by now. The soloing adds even more incredible musicianship to the fold, something the band utilise unashamedly and magnificently. Spectral Wound have returned with the invigorated energy and even more skill than ever.

Forging onwards, the blending of melancholy, bestial aggression and grooving mid-tempos keeps things refreshing and easy to get into while never straying from the dark path they set out upon. Bands like Sargeist spring to mind here, though do not be fooled into thinking this is some rip-off of a great act, Spectral Wound do not lack integrity or personality of their own at all. Ambient and sorrowful passages are not unwelcome, adding a haunting angle to the barbarically harsh record that gives it an air of maturity and diversity, naturally in a way the accentuates the splendidness of the all-too-present ferocity. Words like spellbound, debauchery and diabolic are present in the track-listing, words that are earned and certainly applicable to the album. Unfurling like the wings of some beastly creature from the abyss, there are many secrets held beneath the surface of this record which will warrant repeated and closely observant listens, something all Extreme Metal should strive for. Thus far, the experience has been unfaltering.

As we progress towards the end of the album, transcendent melodies twist and turn in volatile and serpentine fashion. We never see what is directly before us and this is the feeling of imminent dread yet triumph that is conveyed so gorgeously here. Blisteringly cold and yet so easy to embrace, the almost tranquil moments lull us into a false sense of security before the piercing battery of the whole band opens the portals to other times and realms, dragging us along with them. I certainly have found this to be a chilling and yet very enthralling listen from start to end. It is not overly complex or drawn out, so there is a solid momentum upheld throughout while showcasing brilliantly the multi-faceted nature of a band whom do not seek recognition as a mere worship to a previous time, nor do they entirely stray from the glory days either.

This record is a huge growth in ability and the final result is just as fantastic as “Infernal Decadence”, shamelessly harnessing the fire of their influences while spewing forth darkness anew and unheard. A powerful example of the strength Black Metal still holds in a huge array of senses.