Andacht - Chapter II: Hexerei
(http://andacht.bandcamp.com/album/chapter-ii-hexerei)
A side project of Benighted in Sodom and Ævangelist's Matron Thorn (both acts with an experimental bent), Andacht takes a notably conservative and ambient approach to black metal on this instrumental release. Synth pads soar over traditional riffs and blast beats on "I" and "V," and gothic keys dominate the melody on "II." Hints of post-punk influence (by way of depressive rock) also occasionally come through, especially on "IV." Fans of Xasthur and his ilk will probably dig this atmospheric release, but even they will likely be put off by the lack of shrieks on a very repetitive work. Andacht may deliver traditional black metal chills and gloom with proficiency on Chapter II: Hexerei, but Matron Thorn works best outside the box. This conservative side project isn't doing him (or his fans) any favors.
Not Recommended.
Black Magick SS - The Owls of Winter/Talisman
(http://blackmagickss.bandcamp.com/album/the-owls-of-winter-talisman)
Black Magick SS have a lot in common with synthwave project Gost: neither really performs black metal music at all, but both are clearly marketed toward those that listen to it. Fortunately, they're also both completely ridiculous and tons of fun, and you can only be grim for so long without craving a little chuckle.
On The Owls of Winter/Talisman, Black Magick SS aka Ghost Down Under deliver two absurd and psychedelic ballads full of acoustic strumming, unholy organs, and pseudo-monastic caterwauling. The operatic vocals and ominous guitars on "The Owls of Winter" drip with mystery and 70s occult kitsch. "Talisman" combines spooky melodies with black metal snarls, producing what sounds almost like an acoustic Tribulation demo. And that's all there is to it. If you're looking for more occult rock silliness from the Ghost/Blood Ceremony/Jess & The Ancient Ones School of Musical Theater, you can't do much better than this.
Recommended.
An Autumn for Crippled Children - portugal EP
(http://anautumnforcrippledchildren.bandcamp.com/album/portugal-ep)
An Autumn for Crippled Children are the true stalwarts of blackgaze, or "hipster metal," as those who blame relative newcomers Deafheaven for the rise of the genre like to call it. It's surprising, therefore, that portugal lacks the refinement one expects from these Netherlandish niche veterans. Opener "portugal" feels like noise pop with black metal shrieks and blast beats tacked on at times. And although there's nothing wrong with that combination in theory, the song doesn't sound like the work of a band that's been making experimental black metal for years. "seasons change spirits" fares much better, smoothly fusing post-punk structures and triumphant shoegaze with black metal harshness. Both songs, however, are ultimately forgettable. portugal is fine as a throwaway EP, but wait until An Autumn's next album if you're looking for engaging blackgaze.
Not Recommended.
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