Laster quietly and stealthily snuck into 2014, giving metal fans everything they want and more. Hailing from the Netherlands, the atmospheric black metal group proclaims to write "occult dance music" full of energy and gusto. It's a gimmick, really, as it just sounds like Burzum warped into a modern sound. Yet even that is still worthy of merit. It isn't until the very end of the record that the band's novel description even comes into play, as the punchy and rythmic emponymous track is a quirky closer with a catchy beat. After all, the rest of the debut,
De Verste Verte Is Hier is a pretty by the numbers black metal affair. Where the band sells it lies in the void like atmosphere. The vocals seem to be carved by lightening, buffeting the savage production. Less like the icy sounds of their influences, Laster sounds like a fire razing a desolate landscape. Never does the album feel without purpose, as the deliberate pace helps the ravaging sounds move along perfectly.
The album consists of four fairly long form tracks, each feeling varied and fully realized. Rarely does it steep too heavily into black metal tropes. Instead,
De Verste Verte Is Hier merely grazes upon the fruits of early Burzum and Darkthrone. Mixed in are some rather sparse post-rock and ambient flourishes. This in no way comes off as contrived, as these moments feel illucidating amongst the firestorm. A perfect example of this would be about half way through the opening track, "Alles Wat Mij Evalt, Ontvalt Me." Here Laster is seen unleashing a barage of shrieks and tremolo picked hell only to segue into a meandering instrumental passage. While effectively bi-secting the song in two, it feels quite organic. Rather than feel like a novelty, these moments serve to give the listener a sense of calm before the storm.
De Verste Verte Is Hier won't win major points for innovating metal. Atmospheric black metal was around a long time before Laster and one can imagine it won't be going away any time soon. However, in spite of this, Laster show enough grace and profundity to warrant praise. Their debut is shockingly mature and lacking all pretense. It shows a keen understanding of the genre without drowning in well troden paths. Such a record is rare these days, and bands like Laster are even rarer. For a masterfuly written and expertly performed modern day black metal experience, look no further.
