Black Metal, the header to a never-dwindling, ever-expanding stream of sub-genres for better or for worse. Being the tag fiend that I am I very much enjoy ticking all the genre boxes, much to the dismay of my itunes library which is nigh on inaccessibly via genres due to very few bands falling into just one category. Yet people will laugh and say genres are ridiculous but I quite disagree for nerds they are important statements that give us a taste of what is to come much like the tantalising feeling upon your palette when reading a restaurant menu.
Trickling into the sensitive taste buds of the ear canals come Netherlands based Black Metallers Iskandr whom have had a respectable career thus far. 2016 saw the release of the bands debut Heilig Land an underground spark that ignited itself in the cavernous underworld of the aforementioned classic Metal genre. Yet what does the present bring for these purveyors of heroism, the charge has been led by main composer O since the bands inception yet Euprosopon sees the addition of a session drummer, how will this effect the balance?
Songwriting is clearly at the forefront for Iskandr which may sound a little strange when talking about music, but what I mean by that is care and attention. With just four tracks three of which being past ten minutes it is clear that Iskandr have a penchant for beauty and sublime divinity. Each song combines mid paced Black Metal savagery, drone laden atmosphere and a progressive nature, a melodic yet hallowed tome that spits forth with spectral vocals the trials of tribulations of might amongst struggle. A sort of antiquarian benevolence swims throughout mainly in the epic closer Heriwalt.
Delicate barbarity may be one thing to master but so is encapsulation. Admittedly there is little wrong with Euprosopon it delivers its brief with unquestionable finesse. The brief however is at least in my mind seemingly generic. I can imagine Iskandr being a tour de force in a live setting what with their big atmospheres and rumbling drones, although I fear in the sense of a casual listen Iskandr are reduced to little more than pleasant background music for Metal fans. Euprosopon is exactly the sort of music I would have linger in the halls if I were entertaining guests, inoffensive and enjoyable.
So there we have it Iskandr the Black Metal Brian Eno, practically perfect in every sense of can-like description but with little more zing than that. I would not discourage giving this band a listen after all this album is an honourable one., and perhaps for a more seasoned listener of the more atmospheric realms this record could be a winner. Equally if you find yourself having a dinner party this evening this could be your perfect soundtrack, either way Iskandr know what they’re doing.
(6/10 George Caley)
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