Review Summary: A split effort leaving one standing taller than the other.
Black metal is on the rise. Strange as it may seem, one of the most extreme subgenres of metal is growing at an alarming rate while slowly making its way into more mainstream markets. Keen on a sound as intense as the imagery often related, fans of the genre have no doubt grown accustomed to the grisly, macabre, and often philosophical nature that pervades the black metal "scene." Though the increasing number of newer, younger artists emerging within the community may have purists scoffing and shaking their heads, there is striking talent and potential to be found in many of these so-called "newcomers." In the case of Barghest and False, two of black metal's most exciting new acts, one would be wise to keep an open ear and mind.
Barghest opens the split with "Shifting Sands," wasting no time in getting the listener acquainted with their blistering brand infused with elements of punk and death metal. Being that they do not have a bassist, their music is heavily guitar-oriented, blasting along with all of the sinister chords and melancholic interludes one would expect. Barghest is the side-project of members of Louisiana-based metal outfit Thou, who are known for their dystopian compositions characterized by shrieking vocals and swirling leads over a pummeling base of heavy, metallic sludge. Being a fan of Thou personally, I have been excited about Barghest ever since they fell onto my radar, and with a debut album that took many of Thou's "dronier" elements and imposed them onto a black metal canvas, I was eagerly anticipating what they would do next. After listening thoroughly, I can say that while Barghest's side of the split delivers a rather entertaining experience, its faults begin to show themselves all too quickly.
Though "Shifting Sands" is a dynamic song with a variety of well-executed moments, "Inhuman Hatred," the second song featured, simply does not provide the same level of "movement" that I would have hoped. Tripping over itself with a number of blundering transitions from one time signature to another and utilizing repetition in a way that feels more formulaic than structural, Barghest's side of this split ends on a disappointingly low note -- especially when compared to what False has to offer.
False is a band that I, admittedly, slept on for far too long. I have a number of friends who are far more immersed in black metal than myself and though I constantly heard their name brought up in recommendations of newer bands, it took me all the way until now to really give them a shot; and I'm glad I finally did. "Heavy as a Church Tower" is long; very long. However, at nearly 18 minutes, it refuses to lose its atmosphere or ferocity for even a moment. Beginning with segment that is nothing short of foreboding, the mood is set and one is drifted into a devilish assault on the senses, using sounds to convey images through the song's many movements and stages. Every part meticulously crafted, every instrument synchronized with a level of technical proficiency not often seen within the genre, "Heavy as a Church Tower" is not only an example of excellent instrumentation, it's a really great song. Progressive and poignant -- False is setting a high bar for young black metal bands.
Though Barghest does not quite meet the expectations set by their debut release, False's side of the split solidifies their place in the growing black metal "scene," and though splits can sometimes be a difficult way to showcase everything a band has to offer, this effort serves as a fair introduction to both acts.
