Review Summary: Bathe in the teary eyes of the cosmos
Alexander Von Meilenwald has long-secured his gargantuan legacy in the black metal arena with a vast body of compelling work. Adorned in composition and technical prowess, his project The Ruins of Beverast boasts one of the most consistent discographies in the genre. His vision is precise and menacing, and while stylistic variations can be found from album to album, there remains a palpable sense of hypnotic discord throughout. There has yet to be a creative transgression, and fortunately the evil genius continues to deliver. Unfurling like an enchanted nightmare, "Tempelschlaf" continues on the gothic trajectory laid by it's predecessor, while still leaving room for innovation.
The scene is set in a grand entrance title track of tribal drums and infections reverb leads. It conjures images of both transcendence and submission, with Alexander's chanted vocals piercing the mix like a foreboding cosmic deity. The interplay between attack and majesty takes us seamlessly from the peaks of frantic tremolos and pummeling snare, to the valleys of trippy effects and echoey vocal chants. Much like 2017's "Exuvia", this opening track keeps us on our toes, yet the atmosphere feels exceptionally unique and beautiful this time around. The vision continues in "Day of the Poacher", which launches directly into a riff-centric frenzy of swing and harsh vocals. It's a welcome reprieve from the immersion of "Tempelschlaf" that's sure to appease the traditional Ruins fans. Yet, while kicking off with a bang, there's yet another pivot as the track shifts into a pulsating bassline you could easily find on The Cure's "Pornography". It's a commendable stylistic foray which ultimately pays off, as the track never feels off-kilter or incohesive. To play in the black metal sandbox presents it's own share of challenges, but to grapple with goth rock at the same time? That's a feat few other than Von Meilenwald could pull off.
While there is palpable influence from bands such as Type O Negative and The Cure, "Tempelschlaf" does remain a black metal album, and a Beverast album at that. The slower, doomier sections remain, as do the iconic horror samples scattered around to spice up the mix. "Babel, You Scarlet Queen!" is very much an homage to the Ruins of old, opening with a barrage of blast beats and ominous riffs, before segueing into an open portal of epic leads and ferocious tom rolls to a glorious unraveling finish. Alexander's development in clean vocals pairs brilliantly alongside the growls, shouts and chants. The sheer vocal range on display in "The Carrion Cocoon" is utterly incredible, especially when the track itself is a 13 minute epic of ominous beauty. "Alpha Fluids" is another blackened ripper, which apart from the occasional clean reprieve, serves as a stark reminder that this is a metal album through and through.
In addition to the compositions themselves, the production here is utterly superb. The guitar opening "Last Theatre of the Sea" is among the most gorgeous passages of music I've heard in recent memory. Steeped in dark majesty, the melody carries us over colossal metallic waves like a fearless pathfinder, escorting us headlong into the unknown. The tone is so lavish and rich, brimming with such elegance across every measure. The guitars would be nearly as effective without the drums either, which are perfectly mixed and performed across the board. The toms of "Babel, You Scarlet Queen!" are an unstoppable march, the snare of "The Carrion Cocoon" is an unwieldy maze of precision, and the rock n' roll footwork of "Alpha Fluids" is absolutely godlike. Whether we're blasting through the black metal skies or burrowing in the gothic soil, every second of this record pulsates and convulses with infectious, twisted life.
In summation, "Tempelschlaf" is a very strong addition to the Ruins of Beverast catalogue. There are plenty of twists and turns, underlying details, and deep compositional roots which are sure to bloom for those with a nurturing ear. There is a lot to unpack here, and while it dips into unconventional territory at times, everything is executed with the care and tastefulness we've come to expect from this project. Check this one out! Thank you for reading!
