ALBUM REVIEW: Black Beast – Arctic Darkness

Having enjoyed their debut album a lot, it is with pleasure I see BLACK BEAST from Finland return with a new opus of frosty Black Metal. Out now via Primitive Reaction.

Mournful guitars begin with icy atmospherics before a blizzard of blast beats, shrill vocals and menacing riffs fire into life. The harsh assaults from the entire band have that classic Finnish Black Metal feeling which is a bit raw but still holding good production values while a blend of more primitive core elements and bestial aggression see some occasional melodic progressions to give a more emotive side too. It is undeniable that the savage playing conveys a profoundly fierce sound while the cold climate of Finland forces some of the riffing into a very cold style of lead guitar. Interestingly, speaking of lead guitars, there is some really tasteful soloing on this record which can sometimes be lacking in Black Metal. As a fan of their debut record, it seems the new opus will not disappoint.

Surging forward, the ever-evolving yet consistent sound of the tracks doesn’t seem to stand still for too long at any point. There is enough variety to keep you hooked yet the maniacally ferocious pacing doesn’t slow too much yet still offers dynamics, usually in the form of almost folkish melodies to add some spirituality to the already domineering Black Metal onslaught. Contrastingly, the drummer seems to be on permanent overdrive, unleashing endlessly phenomenal blast beats with superb fills and delivery. Whereas the guitars have a bit more headroom to explore both the savage tremolo picking that remains the central focus but with some dissonant arpeggios and the aforementioned leads and solos. Altogether this rhythmically daunting approach works perfectly as the vocals animalistic nature would easily crush too weak of an instrumental backbone. Thankfully this is not the case, Black Beast execute the beastly Black Metal sound that their name promises.

The sadistic and magical mix of sounds may follow a very singular vision but subtle synths and breaks do give very occasional respite from the sonic battery. Though these sections increase the tension, they also allow us a moment to regather ourselves before being thrust back into an inferno of mayhem to once more be pulverised by the percussive force and majestic flame of the record. Having existed for twenty years and offered an EP, split and now two albums, the time taken to craft their music is clearly quite great. I suspect things must align perfectly which gives a very uncompromising approach to the bands releases, hence such a strong end result with an appropriate production and glorious aesthetic side to match the fantastic music. Thankfully the wait between the last record and this has only been three years and they haven’t changed too much. This is a worthy follow-up of more supreme viciousness in Black Metal form.

A triumphant return from Black Beast, giving us another underground gem of Finnish Black Metal brilliance. Keeping the old traditions alive with threatening musical extremity, these guys fly the banners stoically for the 90s sound and certainly do it justice. Clearly the product of a genuine passion for this music, there is no flimsy link in this chain that crashes through your skull with no remorse. Allow the “Arctic Darkness” to consume you…