It only seems five minutes ago that I was reviewing Unreqvited’s last album ‘Mosaic II: la déteste et la détresse’ and the wonderful split with Sylvaine that was released at the same time, but here we are with another top-notch release.
Since Unreqvited was conceived back in 2016, the music has continued to weave and turn, constantly evolving and this continues on Beautiful ghosts which steps even further away from the project’s roots. I’ve heard many labels given to Unreqvited including post black metal, post rock and black gaze and while I can see where all of these come from, in truth none of them really do justice to the music.
Beautiful Ghosts is seven tracks of ambient soundscapes that are essentially instrumentals. Yes, there are vocals but these are either anguished howls or subtle chants buried deep within the music, adding an extra layer of atmosphere. The opening track ‘All is Lost’ is perhaps the most energetic track of the album where sweeping soundscapes and glorious melodies cascade forth, sounding almost upbeat in contrast to the aforementioned anguished howls. In contrast ‘Autumn Everley’ opens with a sublime keys passage which builds to a more robust section where the howls return but are still secondary to the melodies. The pace takes a dip on ‘Reverie’ which is essentially a calm section of white noise. ‘Funeral Pyre’ returns to the tormented howls, almost sounding as though they are being imprisoned behind the soothing melodies. The momentum is once again broken up with ‘Cherish’ which is a mesmerising, sombre melodic passage. The title track is more energetic before the closing track ‘All is Found’ which is my favourite track on the album. Once again an instrumental piece but has an undercurrent of positivity and hope.
Even the most gnarly metal head needs an occasional change in pace, and if you fancy pushing your boundaries and broadening your musical horizons, then I thoroughly recommend ‘Beautiful Ghosts’ and its rich palette of musical landscapes.
(8/10 Andy Pountney)
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