Dystopia - De Verboden Diepte I: Veldslag op de Rand van de Wereld
Crafting most reviews tends to be a fairly straightforward process, but this album presented a welcome challenge. Its richness lies in the constant shifts in pace and style, offering an abundance of musical ideas. There's genuinely so much to unpack and discuss that I feel like I'm inevitably going to overlook some nuances. However, detailing every single point of interest would likely turn this review into an epic saga.. Or the ramblings of a madman..
Track one is phenomenal, opening with striking and clear chord progressions. The powerful drums drive the momentum, but the unexpected "western" passage around 1:15, complete with trumpets and marching drums, is a delightful surprise that perfectly integrates into the black metal framework. This reappears with a melodic trumpet line later. The track then shifts to a triumphant tone, fueled by relentless yet precise blast beats and skillful ride bell use. The guitar solo around 5:30 is a standout, showcasing spectacular synergy with the drums in the final minutes. The closing shout-style vocals are a fitting and impressive end to a remarkable track.
Track two starts with familiar rhythms before a chunky shift with a deep guitar melody. The angelic, layered vocals around 3:05 introduce a jazzy interlude with light guitars and off-beat marching drums. This gives way to a heavy eruption with tremolo-picked melodies and intense drumming, highlighting the band's mastery of transitions. The unexpected doom-style guitar tone around 6:17, coupled with amazing opera-style vocals, leaves a powerful impression.
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Track three initially surprises with a slower pace before unleashing a heavy 4/4 beat with unpredictable snare work. The sudden shift to a sinister, macabre sound around 1:40 is another unexpected turn. The track effectively moves between heavy and atmospheric sections with gravelly whispers. Subtle trumpet melodies add depth around the six-minute mark, culminating in an absolutely insane and complex final two minutes of fast, aggressive, yet precise playing.
Track four stands out for its overall tone and vibe, making it a great introduction to the band's diverse styles. The excellent production and mixing are evident, particularly in the heavy bass after drum fills and the prominent, full, and inspiring trumpet section.
Overall, I think this album is nothing short of monumental, and I'm incredibly glad I stumbled upon it. Every single musician on this album poured so much work and emotion into it, and it truly shows. I'm proud to give this album a well-deserved 9/10 for its effortless transitions between styles and tempos. As a massive fan of incorporating non-traditional instruments into black metal, I think they did a wonderful job here. The riff sections on each song are superb, and the synergy between the drummer and guitarist is absolutely amazing. The vocals are seriously impressive, and I loved the shouty parts towards the ends of tracks. I'll be very much looking forward to what this band has to offer next with my full support. Great job, guys!
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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