Review Summary: Swiss black metal that captures the raw Norwegian sound while not abandoning accessibility
Incinerated Gods is the live-recorded EP from Swiss four-piece, Vuyvr. The album brings, in palpable amounts, the cold, frostbitten, traditional atmosphere of the second wave of Norwegian black metal while incorporating and infusing hardcore and post metal melodies and song constructions. "Spring of the Jordan" kicks off the live Geneva concert with unrelenting speed and a frigid attitude. The blast beats, tremolo riffs, screeching vocals are all present and accounted for and Vuyvr utilize their instruments to build a sense of gradually swelling atmosphere. The track hits on all cylinders but keeps stagnation at bay while at the same time, energizing the sense of movement with fresh song structures and sound variation. By the time the song nears its conclusion, an onslaught of drums and fierce riffing take hold and begin a snowball effect that rides right into the next song. Continuing in the same vein as before but with a bit more reservation and hardcore elements added, Vuyvr build up their calculated aggression. Opting for more shouted clear (but still raspy) and succinct vocals during the chorus, Michaël Schindl's vocal's bring in that hardcore aspect to the song adding a vicious punch to the already established frenzy taking place. The lead and rhythm guitars play off each other throughout "Hate is a Black Hole" and end things off with a melancholic melody that glides effortlessly over the rhythm section.
The next two numbers slow things down, if only for a bit. "Infected Water" dabbles with a slow post metal buildup that isn't too far off what some USBM bands have been playing around with recently. The battery is downright nasty in the first few minutes of said song along with one last outburst before heading into the final track, as newcomer Bastien shows his merit on the kit, replacing the now defunct Roderic Mounir. Although, the aforementioned Mounir manages to make one last appearance on EP closer "Devoured" again recorded live in Geneva, but during a different concert in December of last year. The live recording adds to the lo-fi production and enhances the band's ability to capture that often sought after Norwegian black metal sound. The EP continues to build upon what helped them make a name for themselves, their excellent, albeit simple and formulated, debut LP Eiskalt. Incinerated Gods adds nothing new to the realm of black metal but Vuyvr can be commended for sticking to what they do best and releasing a solid, short but sweet twenty plus minute exercise in raw black metal.
