From the depths of Germany’s Black Forest region, Thron have released their fourth full length album, “Dust”. Formed in 2015, the band continue to expand on their black metal sound drawing in more classic influences whilst retaining an edge that easily puts them amongst their Scandinavian peers.
“Dying In The Mud” opens proceedings with a very Slayer “Seasons In The Abyss” era sound. The building, propulsive drums before the descent into classic black metal riffage creates a chilling soundscape. The vocals are full of scorn and snarled with each word enunciated for maximum effect. Melodic twists create a nice balance before frenetic blasts come in and their stall is clearly set out early. There’s a sense of the macabre on “Return”. A clattering attack turns into a chugging groove that gives it a certain accessibility. Already noticeable is the richness of the production with melodic tones reminiscent of Primordial that are on full display with tracks like “The True Belief” – definitely one of the album’s standout cuts.
The mid section is chock full of raw, scything guitar work. Constantly driven along by J’s Dave Lombardo styled drum attack there’s barely a moment to catch breath. Samca’s vocal delivery is impressive and at times sounds a bit like Goatwhore’s L Ben Falgoust. Tracks like “The Golden Calf” and “Monologue” play to the band’s strengths. The ice cold delivery is overlaid with a constant sense of high drama. Chiming guitar mixed in with loads of melody creates the perfect sense of light and shade on “Into Oblivion” before a crushing maelstrom explodes from the speakers.
Most interesting is the progressive twists on “The Tyranny Of I” giving the track an almost majestic feel. Each track feels like an exploration and these turns of mood show off their Merciful Fate influences, especially on “The Wrong God”. A sense of the epic shows through on closing track “Martyr” and is an appropriate way to finish the album.
“Dust” is a powerful, beautifully crafted LP. Rich, textured and still retaining the chilling edge expected of the genre, this album rewards repeated listens and shows a band continuing to grow in stature as they blend in their classic influences while certainly affirming their own identity. This is well worth checking out even if black metal isn’t your first go to.
(8/10 Johnny Zed)
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