Year:2019
Total Time: 26:57
Label: Corde Raide Productions
ALKYMIST (not to be mistaken for Danish progressive sludge metallers Alkymist as both bands are unsigned) is a one-man band from Montreal, created by Adrien Blosse (a.k.a. Noctis). They perform a mixture of doom/atmospheric black metal and are greatly inspired by the works of Alexander Von Meilenwald (Ruins Of Beverast), as it is clearly attested in their Bandcamp account.
While in last year’s debut “Spellcraft Ceremony” their influences were more evident by radiating a more ritualistic-shamanic aura , in this years’ EP “Wreckage of the Raging World” they deliver a more concise, diverse release with a more focused and personal approach by conjuring an eerie veil of ominous and desolate soundscapes. Three different soundscapes of 27 minutes presented, both thematically and lyrically, as a singular post-apocalyptic vision of a world devastated by nuclear war. A creation of multilayered gloomy atmospherics. Sprawling doom passages succeeding pummeling black metal riffs, haunting guitar melodies, abstract tribalistic drum patterns with a hint of DSO chaotic dissonance (in the last two songs), all culminating in “There’ll Be No Resting” with its cinematic desert like vibe and its concluding frenetic guitar solo that enthralls you with a cloak of swirling hopelessness.
Special praise must be attributed to Noctis’ vocal performance (along with some choral chanting vocals in “The Sun Is Gone”) ranging from demonic voices, desperate cries, odious screams to unholy clean chanting, dark recitation and cavernous echoing. His range serves wonders in the fluidity of the compositions, strengthens the cohesiveness of the release in its entirety and guides its dramatic tension.
This EP was improvised and recorded mostly in February 2019 but will definitely echo in my ears for the rest of the year. An Operatic Dark Allegory for the impending Apocalypse, reflecting musically the weight of its subject. ALKYMIST, a musical entity added to the always productive and growing scene of the Quebecois Black metal forging high expectations for their upcoming release!
RULED BY CHAOS!!!!!
Rating:8/10
Editor: George Kolivanos
Related Link: ALKYMIST – Σελίδα Bandcamp
