ALBUM REVIEW: Possession – The Mother Of Darkness

Out of nowhere, Belgian black metal titans Possession unleashed a brand new album. Out now via Iron Bonehead Productions.

Ominous ambience and bells bring this record into existence with a simplistic but evocative introduction. Blazing riffs scold with profound clarity, a march of deathly sombreness. The way the vocals wrap around the guitars and ride the percussion is bewitching; snarling with an otherworldly presence. Possession has that all-encompassing sound that black metal bands often strive for yet many fall short of. These Belgian savages, however, carefully craft each intricate detail of their music whilst keeping that immediate and dangerous edge to things as we surge through deathly progressions and serpentine shifts, ever-evolving and moving with utmost menace. Glistening guitar work combines with the surging rhythmic darkness to conjure a tornado of emboldened and visceral evil with a tangible sense of urgency running through the heart of each moment. Despite it being seven years since their most recent splits and nine since the last album; the strength of this recording from its very opening makes it feel as if Possession never lost their grasp of your spirit, coming back with a force of spiritual ferocity to be reckoned with. The stunning Chris Moyen artwork enshrouding this album is a perfect indication of what lies within. A meeting of truly excellent and visionary artists both visual and musical.

Continuing, the vengeful spirit of “The Mother of Darkness” is palpable and each layer adds a wickedness to the flowing magnificence of the songs. With a supremely consistent atmosphere, everything sits in its rightful place, giving a feeling that the precise intent of this album was pondered upon and refined for a great time. This effort pays off and ensures the intensity and foul wishes of the band are upheld for every second of its 51 minute running time. Tracks such as “The Wild Hunt (Let Them Run)” show Possession at the top of their game in creating black metal that is restless, provocative and yet upholding of timeless sonic traditions. From the multi-faceted drumming to the ferocious riffing and predatory vocals; there is no weak link in this chain of barbarism. As the rusty odour of blood fills the air, the record draws us closer in as we progress. Lost in the endless passages the demonic energy flowing from oubliettes deep in the castle walls feasts. This blood rite of hunters and demons is one you shall not forget. Forged with iron and imbued with evil; the first act of “The Mother of Darkness” concludes with an outro before we begin its second coming.

The crawling bass lines have a spider-like nature as the ghostly vocals drape over you in cobwebbed eeriness. For me, Possession’s greatest strength is always being able to find the sonic descriptions of their lyrical content. The high-power riffing and dynamic lighter touches give a banquet of textures to the record as searing leads cast scorn atop mountainous rhythmic battery. The latter half of the record does not taper off, rather building in energy from the former half and continuing to churn forth something spectacular until its very last breaths. Those grooving moments add a bestial hunger to the record that the more atmospheric albums feed with poisonous anguish. Closing with the explosive and epic “Young Blood Ritual” was a master stroke, leaving you dying to listen to the whole thing again. It is hard to find a single thread to pull in this album as every element is so gorgeously thought out. I urge all fans of black metal to witness for themselves this unholy and monolithic structure that stands isolated in the Belgian woodlands. Its deathly presence will not be easily shaken and its addictive brand of darkness shall certainly draw you back time and time again…

A supreme force of black metal that is perhaps the crowning achievement for Possession, although with such a strong discography it would be a hard to pick one moment over another as victorious. Regardless, “The Mother of Darkness” is a majestic and towering album the provides the sound and vision to demonic castle spectres, wild hunts and black chapels; a bloody rite invoking something powerful and ancient. Every piece is a profoundly impactful part of a greater work that must be experienced in full. Every member of the band offers their best and the artwork, mix and master are of equally brilliant quality. This is a moment of significance in black metal that will cast a long shadow in the underground and likely stand triumphant for an eternity.