Here is two very quick reviews of black metal records I have listened to extensively these past few weeks!
Since the creation of the project back in 1997, Wintherr (the alias of Tobias Mockl) has released over 10+ demo tapes under the projects name.
His work is known for being a mixed blend of ambient winter sounds and very low fidelity black metal. "Paysage D'Hiver" translated means "landscape of winter". The aesthetics carried out in his work match the name quiet well.
Im Wald is the projects first album released last year (2020) under the self ran label, Kunsthall Produktionen.
This is the first PDH output I've sat and listened all the way through. Clocking in over 2+ hourswith tracks averaging around 11+ mins, this is not an easy listen for first timers to PDH but on the other hand I think it's his best output! The first track start the album off with an eerie winter ambiance of howling wind and a snow storm - setting the mood perfectly - not before jumpscaring you into a black metal frenzy. With much of PDH's mixing and delivery, the vocals are hidden behind a wall of din - only creeping through the mix every so often. To me it sounds like shouting desperately, helplessly into a snow blizzard and getting no response. I'll keep the track reviews short as I think you should experience the album yourself in maybe two to three listens (1 if you don't get a headache!). Much of the interlude ambient tracks don't add a whole lot but do space out the wall of noise quite nicely, making that one or two listens easier to manage.
Fav Tracks: Im Winterwald, Über den Bäumen, Le rêve lucide
Least Fav Tracks: Schneeglitzern, Flug (too long of an instrumental)
Overall Score: 7/10
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Before I start the quick review, I must say that this is one of my favourite album covers at the moment. I was fascinated alone by this and just had to listen!
Këkht Aräkh is a very new project hailing from the Ukraine. With having only released a demo before this in 2019 named 'Night & Love'.
The album opens with an organ and a distorted guitar intro track that is haunting. It gives way to 'Thorns', the opener which evokes a very Transylvanian Hunger atmosphere, yet makes it decidely 'pretty' with accented keyboards. The entire album is dripping with such depressive and romantic aesthetic that comes full circle when compared to the album cover. My most listened to track is 'In The Garden', I believe this track takes very heavy inspiration from Darkthrone's aforementioned album and recreates such sound beautifully. Well mixed guitars with clear riff patterns and throaty gasp-like vocals over the top.
Two tracks in the middle of the album, 'Amor' and 'Nocturne' are amazing instrumental ambient pieces and as someone is isn't really into such concepts on albums - these are my exceptions. They hold such peaceful but somewhat sad tones with them. This is true especially for 'Nocturne', a creepy, sorrowful, miserable piece that leaves a haunting impression on you.
The final track is such a brilliant way to end an album. I won't spoil the suprise, you've got to listen!
Fav Tracks: Thorns, In The Garden, Amor, Nocturne, Swordsman
Least Fav Tracks: Lily
Overall Score: 9.5/10