Year: 2021
Total Time: 69:26
Label: Van Records
The musical genius Alexander Von Meilenwald behind THE RUINS OF BEVERAST, released a new album, ready once again to take us on a journey through the band’s dark worlds.
This time the concept of the album deals with the revenge of man’s hubris towards nature. Based in Thule, this mythical place where it is located beyond the known world, Alexander weaves seven stories inspired by ancient texts of the Middle Ages.
From the beginning of their career, TROB uniquely married Black metal with Doom metal and Gothic, creating very special soundscapes. Album by album, they developed their sound with new influences without losing balance in the three guiding forces of their music.
In “The Thule Grimories” the balance changed a little and Alexander’s dark Gothic side seems to have prevailed more than usual. That’s why we find more clean vocals as well as clean melodies on the guitar. These will bring to mind bands such as TYPE O NEGATIVE, PARADISE LOST and DEAD CAN DANCE. A typical example is the three central tracks of the album “Kromlec’h Knell”, “Mammothpolis” and “Anchoress in Furs”. The latter in particular has an aura from MY DYING BRIDE of the 00s.
Of course, the Black Metal element is also present here in all the other songs. From “intelligent” riffs to fast drums, Alexander hasn’t forgotten his art. Listen, for example to the opening “Ropes Into Eden” or the “Polar Hiss Hysteria” with its ala Rotting Christ outbursts. The extreme vocals of the album are imposing once again and alternate very nicely with the clean ones. Female vocals, samples, electronic/industrial effects and chanting enrich the music of “The Thule Grimoire” making it as varied as possible. There is also an aura from that monumental “Zoon” of THE NEFILIM hovering over the 6 compositions of the album.
As one would expect, the long durations of the songs remain, so there are parts that can tire the uninitiated with TROB. In addition, the increased Gothic element can disappoint the fans of the band who have loved its extreme side.
“The Thule Grimoire” may not be the “Foulest Semen Of A Sheltered Elite”, but it is another remarkable addition of a high level to the TROB discography. I think that here we are dealing with the most musical and accessible album of the band which for this reason can be an ideal introduction to the magical, dark and mysterious world of the multi-talented German.
Rating: 7,5/10
Editor: Dimitris Benetatos
Related Link: THE RUINS OF BEVERAST – Official Page
