Everyone has their own particular opinion when it comes to black metal. Some opt for the very basic lo-fi attack with simple repetitive riffing, some go for the more grandiose approach with full synth based orchestral backing and choirs, and some take a more measured approach, retaining the spirit of first wave black metal, infusing melody and craft yet stopping short of a symphony orchestra to get the point across. In a lot of cases, fans of these will point and shriek at the other examples, decrying them as false. This is of course wrong. All are valid, and Norway’s Posthum manage to tread that middle ground with great confidence and aplomb. Following the success of their self-titled album of 2009, there has been a discernible buzz about the follow up.
One of the first things that strikes me is that Posthum have no need to go steaming in with constant blast beats and are happy to work things at a generally slower pace, and as a result when the blasting is unleashed it is all the more effective, as on opening track ‘Untame’ where the full throttle moments really do provide a kick in the gut in addition to a chill in the spine. I found that it took me a little while to fully settle in with the vocals which provide a decent and powerful rasp, although a lack of variation in tone sometimes makes things a little ponderous. After a while you do manage to tune yourself in however, and by the time you reach ‘Scarecrow’ with it’s very simple yet highly infectious riff, you should be completely sold. ‘Red’ is a far more traditional affair, with a persistent pace through the verses leading in a suitably catchy riff. The bass sound is far more noticeable here than on many black metal albums and it is to its benefit, just taking the edge of the treble.
‘Resilient’ is one of the standout tracks on here, however Jon’s vocals manage to both make and break the track simultaneously. For the most part it complements the guitars excellently, and finishes on a superb drawn out soul sucking scream, yet in the track’s quieter moments the vocals seem strained and lost as if trying to fill the space left by the instruments where a more considered approach may have worked better, but this really is small beef. The pace is kept up on ‘Down on Blood’ and ‘Summoned at Night’, although both calm down with well worked and sinister mid passages. Whilst you feel there may be a hint of formula creeping into proceedings at this point, Posthum manage to completely second guess you with ‘Afterglow’, a quite beautiful and atmospheric instrumental piece that set the hairs up on the back of my neck. Closing with the title track, ‘Lights Out’ typifies everything about Posthum and the way they go about their business, being well crafted black metal.
I expected to like this one, but was cautious in my optimism, yet Posthum have really managed to deliver a very accomplished and mature album which although it is not as crushing as their debut, is far more balanced, assured and confident. If you like your black metal straightforward with little finesse, you may be better off looking past this one, but if you prefer something that draws you in and holds your interest, ‘Lights Out’ comes very highly recommended.
(8/10, Lee Kimber)
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