Resonance - Vide - Schattenvald
- Sparky
- 28 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Vide - Aux enfants des ruines. 9/10
Frances Vide is represented by a sole individual Hylgaryss. An artist unbound by the constraints of genre or expectation. Prolific and creative, the debut full-length album from his project Vide is Aux enfants des ruines. A piece of art that touches on the inevitable and melancholic, a masterwork in seven passages.
Beginning with the hauntingly beautiful choral/operatic Aux enfants des ruines promises to be an album unlike any other. Hymne au vide continues the spiritual structures that are then imbued with the ferocity of raw black metal, the styles contrasting yet intrinsically linked to create a tapestry that is confounding and free of expectations. As heavy as it is heavenly, rich in contrasting atmospheres, part celebration and part horror. Every track is a juxtaposition of styles, an anathema to expectations Nourrir la haine (Feeding hatred) despite its subject matter contains a delicate melody and vocal line. Walking the fine line between despair and finality. Aux enfants des ruines is depressive without falling into that genre, the keyboards thick and prominent without being synth, a delicate balance that is executed with an uncompromising passion. The brief beauty of ‘’Messe des ruines - l'appel aux loups’’ is countered by the unrelenting force that is ‘’Messe des ruines - Le refuge’’, every moment is reflected by its tangible melancholy , a sorrow that imbues every note and darkened plea with an authenticity and finality that is tangible and visceral
Touched in places by the divine Passage is a choral splendor, evocative, creative, and daring, a coda that poses more questions than answers, a cinematic tapestry that is remembrance and sorrow in equal measure. Aux enfants des ruines is punctuated by the definition of beauty in anguish and asks the question what kind of trophy is a cup full of tears? Beguiling and depressive, steadfast, and uncompromising Vide offers something truly special.
Schattenvald - Alle Hernach 8/10
Returning with their seventh full length album, Germanys Schattenvald continue to explore the themes of history nature and the essence of man against a symphonic black metal canvas for the challenging and captivating Alle Hernach.
As raw as it is sumptuous and multilayered, there is an inherent darkened madness marked by isolation that lurks throughout the conceptual album. Winterland (Alle Heranch) is completed by a beautiful keyboard melody that juxtaposes the contrasting textures that are within Alle Hernach, the frantic tremolo riffing ( At times simply superb) is complemented by galloping rhythms that create an epic feeling that only adds to the thick atmosphere that conjures icy frozen landscapes and vast mountain fields. There is a feeling of splendor against the tales within and a passionate adherence to the first and second waves of pure black metal, yet modern dynamics and a deft touch of melody add to the overall sonic experience that is densely layered and is as intense as it is epic. The tale of a prophet and his wanderings perfectly captured on the demanding Der Nachtwanderer (The night wanderer) and the time capsule that is Im Nachtenschein (in the nightlight) with its slower tempo and drive, a pure black metal track that is simply glorious with its superior musicianship.
An ensnaring album of ambition yet also faithful to the pure sound of black metal that captures the first blackened wave and updates it with the modern symphonic and dynamics, Alle Hernach is a challenging, yet remarkable album that defies expectations and explores incredible musical soundscapes from a band that exemplifies the quest for uncompromising musical excellence.
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