Review Summary: This little obscure album here makes Transilvanian Hunger sound like Playskool: My first atmospheric black metal music.
I admit the summary is actually stolen by some guy over the internet but it definitely sums up all this album is about. Most albums that fall into the atmospheric black metal genre favour simplicity, minimalism, lo-fi production and a lot of repetition. Like a Blaze Above the Ashes is no different. What is different with this album is that it doesn’t allow any thoughts like “boring” or “snoozefest” enter the listener’s mind. Instead it envelops the listener in a surprisingly “charming” soundscape.
Each track is different than the other and each stands as an example of excellent atmospheric BM. This album however is better served as a whole. Tremolos, chords, constant blast beats and a lone acoustic guitar on the last track is what the instrumental part of this album is. I’m not sure whether I can hear the bass or not. I think I can during the last track or in parts where a tremolo riff isn’t played but it could well be just the guitar.
The vocals are distant in the mix working more as one more instrument instead of driving the songs forward. Mid screams for the first three tracks and a chanting like voice which reminds me of Garm in Kveldssanger. The lyrics are all in Russian and I’ve got no idea what they are about.
In this album you will have an exact number of zero technical moments, zero fancy effects, zero face melting riffs and most importantly zero pretentiousness. What you get is an honest, atmospheric masterpiece.
Recommended as: Background music, relaxing music, music to sleep to.
Avoid: Before a match, or before wrestling with a bear.
