Beleghost - Where The Mountain Lies

Huge thanks to Saturno Occulto for sending over his material for review. It's always a genuine pleasure to promote projects that clearly show such immense dedication and effort. While I won't dive into every single track on the EP, I'll definitely highlight some of my favorite moments and standout elements.

Right from the start, Track 1 immediately sets a dark, uncompromising tone, firmly rooted in the grittier side of black metal. This is clearly for fans who appreciate a less-is-more approach, delivering an authentic, unvarnished sound from each instrument. I particularly enjoyed the guitar tuning, and the drumming feels almost perfect in its volume during the blast beat sections, especially with the ride cymbal providing that steady pulse. The vocal delivery on this track is remarkably effective, perfectly complementing the album's raw and intense atmosphere.

Track 2 was an absolute standout – truly beautiful from beginning to end. As a massive fan of atmospheric black metal (ABM), I felt this was a flawless addition, offering a moment of serene solace before the listener is plunged back into the black metal chaos. Its simplicity and deliberate pace are captivating. The sounds are exquisite, and the layering is executed spot-on, with subtle ambient textures gradually building a deeply melancholy feeling with each progression of that main melody. This was genuinely one of my favorite tracks, and I'd love to hear more like it in the future.

Track 3 delivered the most "in-your-face" introduction. I'll admit, after the calming previous track, this sudden burst of sound almost made me jump! But on a serious note, the drumming here is incredibly quick, yet more importantly, it's crisp and precise. The guitar's chord progressions and playing are exceptionally well done. The moment at 1:52 where the song's direction dramatically shifts was particularly alluring and had me instinctively cranking up the volume. The guitar tones, combined with those cool, distant, echoing vocal screams, are a superb addition that worked incredibly well! This effortless transition between styles truly showcases some serious talent. Also, towards the end, the drums move from a classic blast tempo into a really cool 4/4 beat, complemented by some lovely shimmering cymbal work to round off the tune. Outstanding drumming all around!

Track 4: What more can I say about this ambient section that I haven't already said about Track 2? This was equally soothing to my ears and I could easily imagine it accompanying a deep space exploration series or game. The sounds crafted on this track are undeniably cool!

Track 5 is the EP's longest track, clocking in at just over eight minutes, and in my honest opinion, it's also the strongest. From start to finish, this track is a masterclass in building tension and atmosphere. It skillfully weaves together all the elements introduced earlier, from the raw power of the black metal passages to the haunting beauty of its ambient sections. The musicianship is top-notch, featuring intricate guitar work and dynamic drumming that keeps you completely engaged throughout its epic length. The way it ebbs and flows, creating vast sonic landscapes before unleashing a torrent of sound, truly exemplifies the band's ability to craft a compelling and immersive listening experience.

Check the video here

Overall Verdict

All things considered, I'd confidently give this album a solid 8/10. I believe this project shows incredible direction, and with a little more refinement, it has the potential to achieve an even higher score in the future.

-BlackenedSoundscape

9-10: Exceptional

7-8: Good, Great

5-6: Average, Decent

3-4: Fair, Mediocre

1-2: Poor, Subpar

Grading system.

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