Review Summary: For fans of sound
The word most commonly associated with Dean Blunt’s last few solo releases is “heartbreak.” And after the release of
The Redeemer, it was easy to see what state of mind Dean Blunt’s music functioned on. Blunt’s music has a minimalist aesthetic: one that is laden with samples, loops, and an overall bleak atmosphere. Hence, it’s rather fitting that the cover of
Black Metal is nothing but a black cover and a parental advisory sticker. That being said, Black Metal is anything but. Drawing influences from folk and electronica, and a strong emphasis on cold, honest vocal delivery that has Drake quivering in his shoes, this album is a representation of everything weird about contemporary songwriting.
While the overall feel is at times jagged, (“Forever, and “X” are two ambient tracks that are curiously placed at the center of the album, the two of them totaling to 20 minutes in length) it never fails to satisfy. “50 Cent” is the closest thing the album has to a hit. The ethereal guitar tones are most fitting here, and Blunt is at his most, well, blunt. The female vocals add to the dreaminess of the track, and are the main aspect keeping it from becoming hip-hop. “Molly and Aquafina” is placed directly before the two space-y ambient tracks and is by far the most chilling of them all. “I ain’t worry about nothin’...” is sung, and is delivered in a tone that’s on the brink of tears. It’s the perfect soundtrack to riding in a car that’s slowly descending into a pitch black highway.
The hang-ups are few and far between. "100" might overstay it's welcome a bit. And, "X," while delivering nostalgic synths and a turning point for the album, is too short on ideas to justify it's length. Regardless,
Black Metal is a triumph. Bleak, unsettling, and always fun to an extent, this record is not to be missed for contemporary fans of sound.
