Review Summary: Stayed for the jagged riffs, returned for the melodic elements.
Bekor Qilish is a one man dissonant black metal project. Which, I won’t lie, impresses me for what it is. But let me get one thing out there. Black Metal has never clicked with me, no matter how hard I have tried. I’ve never cared for the shrill growling or the riffs, and despite me being a sucker for mood and atmosphere It just doesn't click with me. But Bekor Qilish somehow manages to pull me in.
Bekor takes my favorite aspect of Black Metal and runs with it. He uses the synthesizers to create really awesome melodic moments that creates a nightmarish atmosphere.
Cryptic Hatred is a good track that wraps everything the album wants to do in a single song. Stop and go riffs, melodic moments, and that classic black metal growl. Plus it has really noticeably good drumming.
As for Self Destructed Destruction, I feel mostly indifferent. Only the last minute grabs my attention once it picks up. But once it does it's pretty good.
Verminuous Barrier is a highlight. It utilises the stop and go riffs to make it fast and aggressive, which is a pretty cool way to approach a song like this. The main riff that’s introduced at the 40 second mark is among the most memorable parts in the album.
Bekor comes in with the punches with another banger track. Ocean of Malice has memorable melodic sections with angular and strange riffs that I love. Among my favorites from this album.
More angular and atonal riffs from Total Infection. There are riffs that I enjoy, especially in the intro part. But a good chunk of this track I feel indifferent about. I think it's from the greater emphasis on the vocals. It does get better at the 3 minute mark, with there being a structure change and it being slower. Kind of wish he just let it fade out.
The final track, Wretched Dawn, is similar to the first track with there being all of the elements that make up the album focused and condensed equally. Memorable and jagged riffs, and a really interesting recurring melody from the synths. It feels like a pretty satisfactory end to the album, with Bekor actually letting the track fade out.
Bekor Qilish manages to take black metal and melds it with more progressive elements to make an album that is more appealing outside of black metal.
If you like black metal, check it out. Same goes for those who like weird music. This album has pleasantly surprised me, and I'll keep tabs on him.
Recommended Tracks: Cryptic Hatred, Ocean of Malice, Verminuous Barrier, Wretched Dawn.
