Review Summary: A 'supergroup' in the most obscure sense, Demogorgon's first output is an excellent addition to the Chinese black metal scene.
A common characteristic of regional and local scenes of underground music is that projects become somewhat incestuous. Members of groups meet others (perhaps through label association, perhaps through gigging) and decide they want to try something a little different, with fresh ideas offering outputs previously untenable. One such incestuous relationship makes up Demogorgon, formed within the Chinese black metal scene by members of Zuriaake, Holyarrow, and Destruction of Redemption. Those familiar with the first two in particular will see certain, anticipated parallels between their solo material and the title track here; while both flirt with traditional Chinese music in their works, the more atmospheric elements favoured by Zuriaake are morphed with Holyarrow’s more blood-and-thunder approach. While the previous influences are easy to see in the opener,
Dilemma. Revenge. Snow’s most intriguing idiosyncrasies come from the inclusion of traditionally ‘Tolkeinsian metal’ features. Contrasting with the tortured, distant rasps and howls that comprise most of the title track’s vocal performance are some clearly Nordic-influenced cleans, which stand out like fire in the freezing cold – warm, inviting, yet with the propensity to lash out at any moment.
‘Sadness Moon’, however, is the real surprise: decidedly oriental, engaging dungeon synth. Lone bamboo flutes carve out periods to reflect within the warlike bookends (themselves bolstered by strong, marching strings and foreboding chorused keys), yielding a track that’s pensive yet triumphant. Despite the characteristically low quality of the synths they manage to steer clear of the subgenre’s oft-found cheesiness by virtue of a constantly evolving make-up, chopping and changing instruments within layers to prevent staling. As such, ‘Sadness Moon’ feels surprisingly genuine, and in striving to create a soundtrack for the historical martial arts, Demogorgon certainly achieve their goal – wintery atmospheres are imbued with stoic bravado, prompting the listener to feel as though they’re within the beautiful yet harsh world of feudal China.
However, one thing to be noted is how straightforwardly structured it comes across; the methodical ‘black metal to dungeon synth’ dichotomy between the two track makes
Dilemma. Revenge. Snow. sound more a vignette of Demogorgon’s sound (albeit a 25 minute one) than a complete picture. This is, perhaps, excusable given its introductory nature, but one wishes for a bit more homogeneity in its composition, particularly given its status as effectively a joint venture. Regardless, taking the two tracks at face value there’s not a huge amount to dislike, whetting the appetite for the inevitable full-length and adding another strong suit to a fascinating branch of black metal.
