Firstly, this review holds a special excitement for me. Within the black metal landscape, few things pique my interest more than a release spearheaded by Nick Kholodov of Malist, especially a venture into new sonic territory. This project delves into a more riff-centric approach reminiscent of Malist, yet injects a potent dose of groove with compelling thrash and doom elements. Those familiar with his work in Bewailer will detect intriguing parallels in certain passages of Crimson Crown. As a dedicated follower of his musical endeavors, particularly Malist, this fresh material feels invigorating.
Rather than dissecting each track individually, I'll focus on some pivotal moments and standout features that define the album.
The opener, “King,” immediately establishes its atmosphere with a captivating ambient synth introduction, underscored by a rich bass guitar tone. Kholodov has a notable talent for crafting expansive intros that draw the listener directly into the sonic realm. The central riff proves instantly memorable, echoing a stylistic kinship with Karsk Relic (My personal favourite within the Malist discography)—weighty, resonant, and possessing a superb tonal quality. The subtle inclusion of pinch harmonics, followed by a momentary pause before the re-emergence of the drums and riff, is a detail that significantly shapes the song's dynamics. The transition near the 4:33 mark stands out as a highlight, where the bass guitar melody takes on a lead role, exhibiting a guitar-like fluidity and a perfect rhythmic foundation to conclude the track.
This track also employs a gripping introduction, conjuring a vivid horror-esque scene. However, this atmosphere is swiftly dispelled by the forceful entry of guitars and drums. The central melody is expertly crafted, providing ample space for the nuanced interplay of various guitar layers. The blast beats here are particularly sharp and rank among the album's finest. Another striking moment occurs around the 2:15 mark, where the percussive chaos recedes, giving way to a stark single-string guitar melody. This section introduces a welcome sense of dissonance, creating a chilling and haunting effect in contrast to the prevailing groove. The drumming in this segment is also noteworthy; its foundational 4/4 simplicity is enhanced by subtle yet effective embellishments. Vladimir Udarnov’s (Blastbeatology).command of blast beats truly complements the signature crispness of the Malist/Crimson sound. The solo at 3:21 is a particular highlight, delivering a potent surge of energy and showcasing a different facet of Kholodov's musicianship, executed with impressive skill which i very much hope to hear in future releases. Overall, this track is exceptional.
Burn in Chains with the Unholy Fire
Launching with a rapid drum fill into a sharply defined chord progression riff, this track carries a strong resonance with the spirit of Malist. The raw intensity and aggression feel perfectly calibrated. While the main riffs are delivered at speed, they maintain an underlying groove that encourages movement. This characteristic of the Crimson Crown project is a welcome element for those who appreciate Kholodov's compositional style. Despite its brevity, this track stands out as a personal favorite.
This track is nothing short of spectacular, undoubtedly one of the album's strongest offerings. The initial guitar work is alluring, possessing a clarity in its alternate picking that is immediately engaging. However, the main riff that follows is arguably the album's most impactful—downbeat, forceful, and guaranteed to elicit a physical response. In more informal terms, it’s a truly formidable riff, demonstrating impressive songwriting prowess. The drumming in the background provides a solid foundation, with a consistent double bass drum pattern and effective use of the ride cymbal's bell. The breakdown-esque sections following the main riff introduce an even denser sonic texture, perfectly complementing the track's pacing and overall feel. The lyrical content is brilliant for those inclined to delve deeper. Kholodov's vocal delivery is another key element of his appeal, with his distinctive raspy high-end snarls and deep growls adding significant character. The groovy section around the 2:30 mark is irresistibly headbang-inducing, propelled by a thick bassline and punctuated by crisp hi-hats and a tight snare. A notable compositional touch is the reappearance of the intro melody in the outro, expanded upon to create a more detailed and conclusive feel.
This track immediately captivates with its ambient introduction intertwined with dissonant guitar work, creating a transportive atmosphere. The clean vocals are a standout feature, harmonizing beautifully with the song's overall mood. The transition from the serene introduction to the full intensity of the main body showcases a remarkable dynamic control. While the track resonates with the established Malist aesthetic, its intro and acoustic outro are particularly striking, evoking a simultaneous sense of unease and beauty.
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Crimson Crown represents a significant triumph and a compelling progression for Nick Kholodov. Given the consistent quality of his previous work, the success of this debut project comes as no surprise. However, this particular offering feels like a resounding achievement on multiple levels. The elements that make Malist so compelling—the instantly memorable riffs, the distinctive vocals, and other characteristic traits—are all present here, yet imbued with a fresh perspective. Each track possesses a vibrant energy, and the integration of groove elevates the album's headbanging potential. It's a privilege to review an album that feels destined for lasting impact. In my estimation, Crimson Crown earns a well-deserved 9.5, a testament to the qualities outlined above. Kholodov has once again delivered a truly memorable album, one that stands among the finest releases of the past five years. An exceptional debut!
-Blackenedsoundscape
9-10: Exceptional
7-8: Good, Great
5-6: Average, Decent
3-4: Fair, Mediocre
1-2: Poor, Subpar
Grading system.
A significant factor in bringing Crimson Crown to fruition is the involvement of Satanath Records. Having had the privilege of speaking with Nick beforehand and learning about this collaboration, the announcement of their involvement was met with genuine excitement. This label consistently delivers exceptional bands, and seeing Crimson Crown join their roster adds an extra layer of significance to this release. Knowing their track record, this partnership felt particularly promising right from the start.
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A special thanks goes out to Milena Kress, the artist behind the striking artwork for "Vae Victis." Her visual style perfectly complements the album's atmosphere, even weaving in the iconic head design from Malist's t-shirt, creating a strong connection between the music and its presentation. Be sure to check out more of her work on Instagram: Milena Kress Instagram.