Review Summary: "Hi, how ya doin'? Name's Hades. Lord of the Dead."
There's a certain impalpable dark energy when it comes to black metal. Whether delving into the raw lo-fi abyss or waging war with a total cacophonous ensemble, there's an expected dark decorum for these artists that can't be stressed enough. Thus brings us to Thy Darkened Shade, who not only carry the black metal torch, but spread the fires of the underworld in unprecedented ways. Armed to the teeth with compositions of otherworldly majesty, "Liber Lvcifer I: Khem Sedjet" rips through the cosmos with more riff-driven pizzazz than any fan could ask for.
Let's start with the most apparent and unorthodox strength of the record: the BASS! Typically, low-end for black metal is an afterthought, often getting lost in the mix below waves of frenetic guitars and nonstop blasts. Thy Darkened Shade have opted for a more balanced approach, as the bass not only stands out in the mix, but actively elevates every track. Take "Elixir Of Azazel" or "Deus Absconditus" for example, which carry a bounty of thrash riffage as the bass and guitar duel between sections of explosive tremolos, spooky chords and unnerving arpeggios. It's a welcome reminder that bass shouldn't be an inconvenient formality, but rather a crucial weapon to wield with the utmost care. This amicable approach remains in "Or She-Ein Bo Mahshavah" through an array of unexpected twists and turns. The bass roars and reels through a whirlpool of riffs, dancing maniacally along the melody at every measure. The closer, "Δαήμων Ὁ Φώσφορος", is a subtle change of pace, but remains just as ominous. The guitar and bass don't seem to play, but instead chant with the spoken word and melodic vocals like an ensorcelled congregation. The instrumentation is technical, yet decorously framed and always at the service of the work as a whole.
While the bass stands out in audible glory, it's important to acknowledge the full range of talent on display here. The riffs are relentless, constantly ripping between gallops, chugs, tremolos, arpeggios, dissonant chords and more. Where many black metal bands conjure an atmosphere via compositional repetition, Thy Darkened Shade deliver a more eruptive, yet tactful sound. Take for instance "Saatet-Ta Renaissance", a ten minute epic that gives every member their time to shine. Opening with a sleek phrygian lead, the explosiveness seems unstoppable until the instrumentals curtail for dynamic sections of spoken word and ominious cleans. Between the rock n' roll feel of the riffs, brilliantly spaced drumming, grinding bass and heavily diversified vocals, there's plenty of detail to savor over repeat listens. "Drayishn I Ahriman O Divan" brings another bouquet of flavor, with furious guitar triplets elevated by jazzy cymbal work and hypnotic bass walks. It's a focal point for the mix as well, which retains rawness along with balance and cohesion. These are just two examples of how the album as a whole, while admittedly a bit lengthy, never falters in the balance of technicality and creativity.
In all, "Liber Lvcifer I: Khem Sedjet" is a well-written, well-played, immaculately-produced slab of black metal. The length may seem daunting, but I would encourage any riff afficionados who are apprehensive about the genre gives this a listen. Contrary to many of their kvlt contemporaries, Thy Darkened Shade mix every musical detail to the utmost perfection. It's spooky, it's riffy, it's heavy, and it's STILL atmospheric. What more could do you possibly need?
