I usually do some research about a band before reviewing them unless the are well known to me. However for Amaltheia I decided to go in “blind”, so I had no idea what to expect, other than a friend had told me they are “downright nasty” which of course is a compliment when it comes to black metal. So, appropriately reassured I sat down with a pint cranked up the volume and hit play.
Atmospheric intros are surplus to requirements here as ‘Pyre’ begins with no nonsense mid paced riffing before being joined by snarled, malevolent vocals. The pace and intensity picks up as the track builds with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer hammer. The intensity continues on ‘Dominion’ with the rasping vocals sounding utterly vitriolic. There is a density to the music as this becomes a claustrophobic barrage bringing to mind Dragged into Sunlight. This continues into ‘Dawn’ which is one of the album’s longer tracks at over seven minutes. The wall of noise approach continues and is completely unnerving. A screeching guitar solo adds an additional layer before the vocals take precedence. The length of the track allows it to build creating a truly sinister atmosphere.
Of course the aural battery continues on ‘Threnody’ and ‘Fall’ with its pounding rhythms creating an ominous sense of intimidation. Midway through the song, there is the first let up as the noise subsides to be replaced by the sound of running water. However, subtle instrumentation keeps an air of foreboding meaning that as much as this might sound like it should be respite, it simply isn’t and if anything, it only serves to highlight the ferocity of the rest of the album. A short spoken word passage breaks up the track later on but there remains a sinister undercurrent. The track eventually fades out before the final track ‘Oblivion’ takes hold. Unsurprisingly the buzzsaw riffing soon takes hold, competing for dominance with the vocals as the track builds. There are a few more subtleties to this track with melody being allowed to come to the fore until the track builds to it finale and suddenly we are left with silence and ringing ears. It was at this point that I realised I had barely touched my pint as I had become so immersed in the music.
There is no finesse or subtlety here. This is exactly as black metal should be, it is aggressive, confrontational and unnerving, and yes, “downright nasty”! Thoroughly recommended.
(9/10 Andy Pountney)
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