Since its inception, the black metal genre has evolved to cover a huge variety of styles, most having little resemblance with the genres origins and many would argue that these newly evolved genres should not even carry the label Black Metal. Germany’s Thanatomania are perhaps one such band with their misanthropic, dare I say atmospheric, black metal sitting a long way away from the kult roots of the genre. However, many of the atmospheres and emotions generated are the same and this to my mind is still firmly in the black metal camp.
Although they have been around since 2009, Thanatomania were a new proposition to me, and being a big fan of the more atmospheric end of the genre, I was really looking forward to giving this a listen. The release comprises four tracks that are perhaps best considered as one piece of music with two full tracks and two sombre instrumental passages with the whole thing clocking in at about fifteen minutes.
The opening track ‘I’, opens with an understated, instrumental piece which sets the mood before really getting going. Incisive riffing sits atop a melancholic melody creating a desolate, despondent mood. After three minutes or so, the vocals appear and add extra depth. Harsh, almost growled the vocals fit well with the mournful mood. There is a depth and intensity to the music which really draws you into its claustrophobic fold.
In contrast, ‘II’ is a straightforward instrumental which is still sombre, perhaps even funereal, but it gives breathing space and serves well to highlight the intensity of what comes before and follows after. ‘III” carries on where ‘I’ finished but is more aggressive and direct in its approach, before the EP is brought to a close by ‘IV’, another short but solemn instrumental which fades out leaving silence and works well leaving you wanting more.
This has all the ingredients to be a classic atmospheric, albeit despondent black metal release but for some reason it doesn’t quite click. I’m not sure whether it’s because in places it feels a little staccato and didn’t quite flow, or perhaps it was just a little too short and didn’t allow enough time to really generate the atmosphere that is so important to this genre. Don’t get me wrong though, this is by no means a bad release and I have revisited it numerous times already and suspect I will continue to do so, as well as becoming acquainted with the bands back catalogue.
(7.5/10 Andy Pountney)
Leave a Reply