I suspect this won’t be the longest review ever, but not because there’s nothing to say. Just because it really turns out to be one of those albums you probably should hear.

So here I am to pique your interest.

Wreche is one John Stephen Morgan, a classical musician and composer joining this weird sub-genre of “let’s play black metal on classical piano” as (possibly) pioneered by Angizia and followed up by Goatcraft. And if it seems an odd instrument of choice, then consider in the classical world that the two most likely musicians to have the myth of the tortured, possessed, Lucifer driven artist are violinists and pianists. It appears to be his second album too, but I seem to have sadly missed the debut. Still, we have this.

In a flurry of notes and drums, a little light electronic backdraft and tortured vocals ‘Mysterium’ begins. It’s a fluid, almost lilting melody and those vocals do indeed recall the halcyon days of the first three Elend albums, a band who still have no peer for me. At first it might seem the gentle tune and the vocals do not fit together but slowly it is as though you are hearing the inner turmoil of the artist producing such music. There is a good nod to the works of Dis Pater too in the ethereal flow, the way it almost meanders in a stream like way.

‘Scherzo’ is more chaotic, more avant-garde in the jolting scales and dexterous piano, a real descent into a maelstrom of discordance. This is the direction of travel with the album, down to the horror of ‘Severed’ where the piano is dissolved into electronica and the ever present, frenetic drumming.

And the ‘The Darkling Thrush’. Simple piano, notes fluttering and falling then the darker sound and the vast wash of keyboards and cries. This is a beautiful and sombre torture piece, nine minutes that blend Elend and Midnight Odyssey into a well of hopelessness and pain. It is simply stunning.

The album closes with ‘Fleurs’ I and II. Short and melancholy piano into a more urgent monster, a demonic finale to a rem album.

Like Elend this is not easy listening. It requires concentration or it becomes this black writhing that pushes you away. But look into its heart and there is something here that all those who appreciated the Luciferian Revolution of Elend and the intricate journeys of Dis Pater will love.

(8.5/10 Gizmo)

https://facebook.com/wreche

https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/all-my-dreams-came-true