Haissem is a black metal band from Ukraine who formed in 2014. It is actually a one man project, from the very creative mastermind Andrey Tollock, also from the doom project Sunset Forsaken.
"Ad Cor Tenebrarum" is the seventh full length album from the project; two EPs have been released as well.
I've followed this band/project for awhile now and ACT is definitely the most adventurous album Haissem has released so far. The previous album, “A Sleep of Primeval Ignorance,” definitely took a more melodic path. ACT, however, takes this melodic approach but infuses it with a lot of blackened rage. This is, at times, a much more vicious affair.
With that being said, much of the melody exists in the extremely well crafted keyboards. The textures created by these keys adds many dimensions to the black metal segments in the songs.
But the keys don't exist as just background filler nor do they overtake the songs—they are treated as equals as the rest of the instruments and none of the them outshine each other. In that respect, it is a very well written and meticulous album.
The production and mix are basically perfect—everything can be heard clearly yet the blackened edge is never dulled.
The album begins with “The Amalgam,” a song that begins immediately with a ripping bass note that leads to melodic guitar and demonic black metal vocals. The unique keyboards mix in effortlessly and work in tandem with the riffs to drive the songs.
This song is pummeling and rumbles along at a gripping pace with the keys offsetting some of the fury, every nook and cranny being filled with an idea that always works.
Early on, the album establish with “Arachnid,” that it can be as melodic as it can be furious. The beginning is actually quite beautiful. The verses have a wonderful keyboard melody that pairs with the vocals even as it presents a different side of the album.
About two minutes in there is a clean, melodic movement that sets up the rest of the song, its atmospheric aftermath birthing from the foundation previous laid.
The last couple minutes of the song are lighting fast as the song’s black metal elements finish it out.
The album is just as good at presenting catchy, groovy parts as evident with “Ravenant.” This song is a straight up burner, the drums are lighting strikes against the thunderous riffs.
The second half of the song is harrowing with its atmospheric tendencies as it leads the music into a darkly melodic portion that is immediately urgent and ear catching.
“Agonymph” continues the groove machine but this song is filled with an energy that builds up as the seconds pass by. The middle part is dizzying but it's broken up in the later half by crunchy riffs and throbbing bass. Going from insanity to pulverizing really does a number on the senses—this song will throttle you.
“Cinder” takes a theatrical approach with the bombastic music pulling the atmosphere along with rolling waves of melodic fury, a path the song treads until the keys embrace all the elements, enveloping it in an epic but darkly embrace.
“Purgatoreal,” is one of the best songs Andrey has done under this moniker. The first half is like an unrelenting monsoon of which there is no escape except a watery tomb.The rhythm guitar carries this mood while it gets out from under the keys and forges its own path.
All in all, HAISSEM has created what is its most dynamic and ambitious album yet. This will appeal to black metal fans but anyone who enjoys smartly composed music will find much to enjoy here.
9/10
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