Borknagar’s Oystein G. Bryn had some nice things to say about these Brazilian black metallers which, even if like me you have been underwhelmed by Borknagar’s output over the last decade or so, carries intrigue and weight in equal measures. We should also say that this is Patria’s fifth full length (plus a good number of EPs, singles and a split) since 2008, which is a massive work ethic in these waters.
So… What does that all add up to? Well the first thing of note after a pretty cool intro of chanted voices is actually a very traditional/orthodox black metal sound here. Nothing that the average Norwegian exponent would find alarming; shrill guitar over fine, solid riffing, harsh vocals delivered in a commanding and aggressive fashion and a rhythmic approach that whilst bordering on the modern is delivered in such a way as to highlight the riffs to add a real, hard bounce to the songs. Songs like my album favourite ‘Outrage’ (which if I’m not mistaken uses the word ‘universe’ a lot) have a confidence and a clarity which is impossible not to find appealing in at least some measure and the band’s control over the tempo shifts is excellent and fluid. When they thunder in on rapid fire drums such as on the rather fine ‘Catharsis’, adding in some squealing brakes with the guitar this is a powerful band with a powerful sound. They can also do atmosphere, as the titular intro and the ‘Epiphany’ interlude show with moody, claustrophobic instrumental sweeps and the ability to hold that atmosphere down. They even have a nice handle on song titles as ‘Your Rotten Heart Dies Now ‘ demonstrates.
If you’re waiting for me to drop the other shoe then you will be partially disappointed. More a gentle placing it down. There is, it has to be said, a certain uniformity to the attack here. Despite tempo changes and a dexterous approach to the riff I do find the album as a whole a little predictable, a touch too ‘on rails’ if you like. When you hear a band as good as this who have the imagination for the instrumentals on show here (the album closes with the last ‘Requiem For The Ego’) you always find yourself looking for that to seep more into the main body of songs but it never quite does for me, which is a shame. There is nothing wrong here, and Patria’s traditional sound should have high appeal for anyone who likes the Norwegian style approach to things. These days I’m kind of looking for a little more, maybe, but don’t let that distract you. Good band, good sound, good album.
(7/10 Gizmo)
https://www.facebook.com/blackmetalpatria
Leave a Reply