Another impressive debut full-length album here by 2 shadowy entities lurking in pretty Basel Switzerland. No doubt Cheib (all instruments) and Schiach (vocals, lyrics) have discovered the ugly parts of their domain and committed their malcontent to musical form. Following up a 2-track single a couple of years ago this has come as a bit of a bolt from the blue and contains an hour’s worth of orthodox black metal that really proves to get under the skin providing a heady and somewhat scabrous listening experience. Although seemingly not part of the Helvetic Underground Committee it obviously gets the seal of their approval being mixed by Kerberos of Dakhma, Lykhaeon, Solitudo Solemnis etc. He has given it a nice thick sound which really highlights the solid contributions of both its well-oiled components.
This should actually be looked at in sum parts. Schiach brings plenty of darkness to his parts sounding like a spell-casting sorcerer. He sings in clean and austere tones with a ceremonial enthusiasm that really brings a great sense of atmosphere to the music; a ‘Black Flame ov Malevolence’ indeed. Unfortunately, there is nothing lyrical included in the CD booklet or online that I can see so the occultist ritualistic verse is although nearly penetrable left partly to the imagination. I guess that makes it safe from any practicing adepts to repeat and accidently summon up any demonic force. Occasionally growls, howls and chants are inserted in a gravid sense and also the cackles of possessed madness. Its obviously serious stuff and the duo very much seem as though they practice what they preach giving it all a strong sense of authenticity.
Then we get to Cheib and it is mainly his guitar parts that I am drawn to. Snake-like, sinuous and incredibly thorny. They bring a sense of melodic majesty to the alter and coil themselves around the ears in a never-ending spiralling lollop. Drums and bass coat the lower ends and the album at times seems like a continuous piece, a never ending and circling ouroboros. There are times that they are the sole focus as Schiach goes quiet and you can focus on the long intricacy as it unveils its mysteries around you. The excellent Graveyard Boogie complete with some rich acoustic parts being a perfect case in point. There is a sense of eccentricity to be found here as well. The somewhat decedent song-title ‘Rvm & Cigars’ provides images of these unholy mages getting very much into the spirits in more ways than one. Then there’s the sudden and unexpected carnival atmosphere of G.N. bringing the grand-guignol noir and taking us on a waltz of macabre madness.
Taking the listener on a crypt crawling chaotic conjuration through the catacombs with barely a breathing space between the crevasses it seems only right that the pair are allowed to relax a bit and settle down to a ‘Rotten Drugfest’ at the end. Don’t be too alarmed though as although suitably dirty it’s a well-coordinated conclusion before they disappear in a puff of sulphurous smoke and hide back in the shadows once more.
(8/10 Pete Woods)
Leave a Reply