Here are two tales of New Zealand’s darkest side in the form of a split album. First we have two tracks by Vassafor, starting with “Ossuary in Darkness”. It’s played in the spirit of black metal and makes such anarchic progress that it’s pointless trying to make sense of it. At times it seems too fast to step back. We’re swept away, yet paradoxically it’s doomy in essence – interesting. Early Mayhem came into my head. It’s just nasty, malevolent, violent and crushing. Then it slows down and grinds us down. Imagine being dragged along against your will. This could be the theme tune, not that there’s any tune.
I was no further illuminated by Vassafor’s second offering, “Son of the Moon”. Now it’s mechanical. In fact it reminded me a lot of the now defunct Alastis’s “Just Hate”. As the guitars sharpen the knife, deep grooves are laid. Distant gargly vocals add to the picture of carcinogenic darkness. Then like “Ossuary in Darkness”, it takes off on its own path. Without doubt it’s fiery, explosive and uncompromisingly mean and nasty. I’m not sure where it led me other than a labyrinth of eternal darkness. The winds blow at the end. The structure was a mystery but for me this was an interesting introduction to this band, who in fact have been around for over 20 years.
So onto Sinistrous Diabolus and a 20 minute chunk called “Aeon Tenebris, Aeon Lacrimis”. We are plunged forthwith into a deep abyss. Slow ponderous doom spreads itself like a lingering disease, creating a vision of total blackness. Its patience has the apocalyptic tone of Cult of Luna’s “The Beyond”. Mechanically it lumbers on, always slowly and with a growl here and there. Maybe it’s industrial but it’s forever bleak and black. As it plods along at its own pace, disturbing sounds become more prominent. The intensity builds up slowly. It’s as if there’s a swarm of bees buzzing around. The scene goes quiet. Then the hubbub returns. This gloomy piece becomes bigger and more expansive, but the bubble doesn’t burst. There’s no threat of a false climax. Endurance is required.
In terms of atmosphere, both of these bands produce strong statements. This is potent, and in the case of Sinistrous Diabolus, weighty stuff. It’s as uncommercial as it gets, so credit to the two bands for being bold enough to take us to another planet and sharing its unpleasantness and desolation in such a mysterious way.
7 / 10 (Sinistrous Diabolus)
8 / 10 (Vassafor) Andrew Doherty
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sinistrous-Diabolus/160094777389123
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vassafor/122700671091826
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