Review Summary: Dies ist keine Geschichte…dies ist der…
UNTERGAAAANNNGG!!!
***cue wicked riffs***
With that explosive introduction flawlessly recreated above, these Swiss maniacs plunge without hesitation into a swirling cauldron of potent sub-genres and fearless experimentation. Somewhat surprisingly, Majesty of Silence has existed in its current incarnation since 1996, having released their last album prior to
Zu Dunkel Fur Das Licht in early 2006 before drifting into relative obscurity. The band subsequently entered into an extensive hiatus which was recently dissolved in 2016, and this latest effort sees the remaining members carrying the torch, exploring heretofore uncharted ground as a two-piece. Forging ahead through intimidating new territory, the duo display a great deal of technical maturation and a refreshing willingness to attempt some ridiculous combinations.
While it may be redundant to mention that the most preferable way for the uninitiated to acquaint themselves with Majesty of Silence is to sample a portion first-hand, that’s exactly what I’m going to suggest. Nothing can quite prepare a listener for the grandiose, theatrical, punishing atmosphere achieved on this ultimate comeback record, and to be quite candid, I'm having a hard time classifying it myself. Kingdom:
metallicus ？Well that's a given. Phylum:
gothica, class:
blackia churchburnicus, genus:
melodeathius ？Now that's bananas. The only thing that can be imparted with absolute certainty is that the Swiss know their cheese, and as a humble connoisseur, this is top-shelf cheddar. Operatic female vocals ally with sonorous synths, soaring together over the jagged foundations laid down by incessant double-bass blasting and hair-brained guitar wizardry. Black metal inspired tremolo picking coalesces with melodic solos, inventive lyrics, inhuman howls and just about anything else you can name. The result is a little bit messy, occasionally overbearing, but wholly satisfying nonetheless.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
