Gurthang - Martyrium
After spinning Gurthang's "Martyrium," I have to say this album is pretty impactful. One of the first things that struck me was the remarkable clarity of the mix. Often, in this genre of blackened doom, the sound can become muddy and lose definition, but that's certainly not the case here. Each layer of instrumentation remains distinct, which significantly enhances the listening experience. While I won’t be going over every detail on the album, I will go over some of my favourite key points. With that being said, let’s get into my review.
There are 5 tracks on the album.
1. Aesthetics of Solicitude - 2. Conundrum Unfolds - 3. Antithesis of Creation -
4. Discernment - 5. In Voidwards Begotten
The opening track provides an immediate example of this dynamic approach. Around the 7-minute mark, the intensity builds to a powerful crescendo. The drums are particularly prominent and primal, creating a strong foundation for the guitar to weave some great lines. The track's conclusion descends into a truly dark and eerie atmosphere of doom. The slow, high-register guitar work, set against a backdrop of deep ambient textures, is particularly captivating. The subsequent re-entry of the drums, beginning with deliberate floor tom strikes that gradually increase in pace before the snare hits, unleashes a final minute of potent and somber energy. This section is particularly well-crafted.
Check the video here
Track three, “Antithesis of Creation" was a definite highlight for me. The opening, featuring a classical or acoustic guitar, is spectacular. The sound is almost distant yet but with you at the same time. The song itself showcases some of the most impressive tremolo-picked passages on the album. The "chorus" section delivers a classic Death/Doom feel but elevates it with more intricate guitar layering, resulting in a richer and more engaging sound than often found in slower, doom-influenced black metal. Gurthang demonstrates a real strength in their ability to transition rapidly between slow, crushing doom tempos and the blistering speed of black metal, maintaining a high level of engagement. The vocalist's skillful shifts between death/doom growls and black metal shrieks, sometimes even contrasting them with the musical backdrop, add a compelling layer of dynamism.
Track four serves as an effective and necessary ambient interlude. This shorter piece offers a welcome respite from the previous intensity. It gradually evolves from an almost soundtrack-like soundscape into a deeply woven, doom-infused track, enriched by subtle piano layers and what I perceived to be sounds akin to "church bells," contributing to its unique atmosphere.
The closing track proved to be a fittingly epic conclusion. Its length allows the band to explore different structural approaches. The incorporation of whispering vocals over calming ambient passages is a particularly effective touch, highlighting the intricate layering present throughout the album
"Martyrium" stands as a highly impressive and engaging work. Gurthang demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how to weave together the diverse elements of black and doom metal, creating a cohesive and impactful listening experience. While a greater presence of guitar solos might have been appreciated by some, the album's strengths in atmosphere, genre shifts, and clear production make it a noteworthy release and earn it a solid 8 out of 10. This is a band with considerable potential, and their future output will be something to anticipate.
-Blackenedsoundscape
9-10: Exceptional
7-8: Good, Great
5-6: Average, Decent
3-4: Fair, Mediocre
1-2: Poor, Subpar
Grading system.
Click for Bandcamp