Once again I find myself exploring the darker depths of black metal’s underbelly, and finding its cold, claustrophobic embrace familiar and comforting. This month’s offering comes from Voidmilker, a name which will be new to most, as this is their debut album. However, when I say “their” I should actually say “his”, as ‘Labyrinthical’ is the work of one man, Chile’s Gabriel Hugo, who you may already be familiar with through his work with post black metal act Lascar.
With ‘Labyrinthical’, Voidmilker have created a swirling vortex of malevolent atmospheres through a dense, relentless black metal onslaught. There are obvious similarities to Iceland’s distinctive black metal sound from stalwarts such as Svartidaudi, Misþyrming, Sinmara and also perhaps even a nod towards England’s Ante Inferno with sweeping soundscapes buried within caustic black metal.
The underpinning backdrop for this album is one of dense, unforgiving black metal riffs and yet there is a subtlety, fragility almost, to some of the melodies and atmospheres created. These are buried nicely within the mix, so they are clearly audible but they are not too in your face, and as such, the album reveals itself a little more with each listen, pulling your further and further into its clutches each time. The vocals are abrasive and dissonant without being screeched or howled and complement the musical style well, giving an air of maleficence. While it is not as fast or aggressive as some black metal, the album has a brooding intensity and a feeling of restraint which creates an atmosphere of unease as things progress, and although the album is only built on seven tracks, these hang together well, each building off the last.
This is a long way from the plethora of “stadium” or symphonic black metal bands out there that are now mainstream names, and is more ‘mature’, complex, demanding if you will, but it is also a fantastic debut album and one worthy of your attention.
(8.5/10 Andy Pountney)
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