The UK Black metal scene is in good health at the moment with a wealth of riches and Cambridgeshire trio Terra are the latest to stick their head above the parapet with their debut untitled release. Comprising just 3 tracks and yet clocking in at just over 40 minutes, this was never going to be an easy listen, but that’s often the best way.
I had heard of Terra but didn’t know much about them – After my usual pre review research, I still don’t know much about them! Info is pretty scanty to say the least, and perhaps that’s the way they’d like to keep it. Certainly an untitled release, with unnamed songs suggests that they don’t like to give too much away!
Anyway, enough rambling, what’s the music like?? Upon pressing play, the listener is greeted by a bleak white noise, with overlaying screams joining soon after. The three tracks proceed to take the listener on a journey through varying soundscapes – At times visceral and savage, at others more melodic with some passages bordering on atmospheric. Don’t be fooled though, this is devastating stuff!
This is going to be an album that demands several listens before its full potential is realised and on the second listen I heard far more than first time around in terms of subtle layers and melody.
There will inevitably be comparisons with Wolves in the Throne Room, or maybe Winterfylleth (I think they are both fantastic so that is a compliment!) and bands of that ilk, but Terra are definitely not mere clones and based on the talent on display her, not just of musicianship but song writing as well, Terra should have a bright (in a bleak way obviously!) future ahead of them. A gig up north soon please…….
(8/10 Andy Pountney)
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