I must admit to previously knowing little about this legendary Serbian black metal band, who’ve consistently churned out quality black metal albums since 2001 (or earlier, if you want to count their early incarnation as Stone To Flesh). Ninth album “Kosturnice” represents a continuation of said quality.

The Stone’s brand of black metal is a deft balancing act, where one foot is clearly entrenched in second wave tradition, whilst the other dabbles in contemporary urgency and hooks. The raging tremolo picked riffs juxtapose with melodic ringing arpeggios, and are underpinned throughout by relentless percussion. Passages such as the slower section towards the end of “Okamenjen” convey an uplifting spirit of hopefulness, whilst still maintaining that atmosphere of second wave frostiness.

Sole remaining founding member Kozeljnik has put together a solid line-up of musicians in recent years. The incredible musicianship on show is aided by the balanced mixing job done on the album, ensuring that every instrument clear as a bell so that the listener can appreciate all of the nuances, flourishes and flair which help The Stone stand out from the average black metal fayre.

It’s difficult to pick a stand-out track, such is the consistency of composition on offer. Highlighting two though, “Tremors Beneath The Ground Of The Charnel House” begins with an almost swing-like rhythm to in contrast to the blasting drums, before becoming foreboding and atmospheric and adding some spoken word and anguished howling. “Engulfed By The Abyss” similarly provides a good example of the variety of colours on the bands palate, beginning with moody galloping percussion underpinning a simple riff which cleverly changes into a tight thrashy rhythm, before the verse lets the guitars breathe under the rasping vocals.

All in all, “Kosturnice” is an outstanding album that fans of all flavours of metal are well advised to get their ears around.

(8.5/10 Doogz)

https://www.facebook.com/thestonehorde

https://digital.immortalfrostproductions.com/album/kosturnice