Review Summary: Top notch post-black/death metal.
After successfully completing the mission of seeking a label, the first full-length album of DVVAD from Hungary has finally arrived. The album, titled
MRKLB, or “
Markoláb” in full (one of the fearsome figures in Palóc/Hungarian folk beliefs, attributed to periodically devouring the Sun and the Moon), was released under the care of Talheim Records Germany, a label known for its post-metal releases. In my opinion, precisely because of albums like this that it's worth paying attention to what the end of the year brings, as the result is an exceptionally good album.
Four massive tracks with Roman numeral titles. Perhaps a concept album, but this simple structure itself reinforces the urge to 'listen in one sitting' for the best experience. This structure worked, for example, in several Blut Aus Nord albums in the past. This way, the desired effect can be achieved with the flow captivating melodies, riffs, and with the evocation of an immersively dark atmosphere (just think of the
777 series).
MRKLB works in this way too. It might be true that it's a bit challenging at first to find some outstanding moments on the album, since the album is very consistent and stands for professionalism. The band skillfully paints their own eerie atmosphere on the “canvas of post-metal”, strengthened mainly by black-, death-, and doom metal elements. Consequently (
or even as expected), the tone of the album is dark, with no shortage of fiercely tearing riffs. However, this heavy mass of metal fortunately doesn't suffocate the listener! DVVAD's latest material always provides breaks at the right times (e.g., some ambient sections) and, at times, lifts the listener out of this midnight-black vortex (e.g., the refreshing chords at the beginning of the “MRKLB III” track). This way, they successfully avoided the biggest mistake of those working in a similar style: the
monotony... and this is truly commendable! In addition,
MRKLB can be characterized by a clear, yet aggressively sounding studio work, giving the album weight and character.
Personally, I was eagerly waiting for this album, as I had the luck and opportunity to hear live versions of tracks from the album earlier, and I hoped that the studio quality would not disappoint. Fortunately, this intuition proved to be true.
MRKLB is a very strong post-black/death album, which won’t disappoint any fans of this genre. More of this, please!
