Review Summary: Where life becomes art
“Man, that album is a classic”.
This term ‘classic’ is thrown around a lot to describe albums that either had a profound impact on a particular genre of music, either by paving new roads through experimentation, or expanding the audience outside of their particular market. Classic albums are albums that stand the test of time and are referenced as quintessential records that must be listened to if you want to be educated in a certain genre. The actual material in the record, although important, is not ultimately what makes an album a classic; but can an album that will likely never reach massive audiences, or reach commercial acclaim be regarded as a classic record amongst the music industry? I would argue that yes, absolutely.
Grima is a Russian duo that has been creating atmospheric black metal since 2015. They were singed soon after their conception by Naturmacht Productions and have since reached substantial popularity relative to their style with the release of the single “The Moon and Its Shadows” off Tales of Enchanted Woods, and even more so with, “Enisey” from their most recent record Will of the Primordial. An atmospheric black metal song raking in over 600k views on Youtube is a feat that is nearly unheard of. Each of their records have shown maturation and evolution of their sound, and with their 2021 release Rotten Garden, their sound has evolved into a bombastic, massive, and powerful sound that is the epitome of what atmospheric black metal can be.
Make no mistake, Rotten Garden is a journey. From the first note you are thrown into a track that accentuates the beauty that Grima is able to craft. It is the type of song that makes you want to scale a mountain and become one with the woodland spirits. The dynamics fluctuate from powerful double kick drums to spacious movements where the emotional aspect of Grima shines. “Cedar and Owls” sets you up perfectly for the journey you are about to begin.
If “Cedar and Owls” is the beauty, then “Mourning Comes at Sunset” shows the power. This is a song that bleeds intensity and aggression. Soaring vocals, thick guitars and thunderous drums craft a track that almost short circuits your brain. So much is happening yet it all blends together into a perfect concoction of raw energy, emotion, and power. It is one of those tracks that make you laugh as you listen simply due to the ridiculous stimulation.
The last track I will highlight is the title track “Rotten Garden”. This song is as if Grima put all their influences and sounds into one cohesive track, and the result is astounding. From the use of accordion to the clean guitar sections, from the intense blast beats and scorching vocals, this track is simply a masterpiece.
So, does Rotten Garden deserve the title of a ‘classic’ record. I would argue that it absolutely does. This is a record that pushes boundaries. Many of the typical atmospheric black metal cliches are not found here. The songs are expertly crafted, and the individual performance of each member is impeccable. The vocals are some of the best screams you are ever going to hear, reaching pitches so high that one may write it off as postproduction, but having seen live footage, I can assure you they are authentic. The drums compliment the songs seamlessly, ranging from blast beats that would give Fleshgod Apocalypse a run for their money, to spacious and creative grooves. There no “copy paste” on the record at all, it is truly the epitome of musicianship, individual prowess, and passion.
