Vspolokh - Мрьтвоземъ

Vspolokh is a black metal band from Russia, who formed in 2004.  Their latest release, “Мрьтвоземъ,” is their third full-length album; they have also released a demo, three splits, and an EP.  

I’ve never heard this band before but this album made me a fan.  I find this to be an unique album in some ways.  On the surface, it doesn’t do all that much to distinguish itself from other black metal bands.  However, as I listened to the album more and more, its depths began to grow until I was completely devoured by it.  

It’s actually quite melodic and melancholic, a sort of “smooth” style of playing that flows very well.  Even though it’s abrasive and extreme, it also seems to just sort of wash over with its musical paintings, created by brush strokes lined with violent tragedy.  The use of clean tones, distortion, and even some of the leads keep it just outside the box enough without things getting too weird. 

The first song, “Kapa,” was a good choice to introduce the album because it gives a decent overview of what to expect.  The riffs are heavy but more atmospheric than anything, like lead clouds hovering a constant danger.  The drums are tight and crisp, keeping much of the black metal assault moving perpetually.   The vocals are pretty good too—blackened but oftentimes deeper with growls.  At the halfway mark, the riffs open up to a groove which pushes the song into a fantastic solo.

“Киалимская падь,” is the longest song on the album, at just over 9 minutes.  It uses the time well, offering a variety of sounds.  The beginning is serene, almost delicate in a way.  The riffs soon arrive, highlighted by clean notes.  It swirls together well, becoming quite hypnotic.  The vocals are a maelstrom, almost an instrument themselves.  The song builds in aggression as it moves towards the epicenter.  From here, the song sprawls out with it’s atmosphere until it fades and gives way to clean tones that, in turn, give way to a violent outburst. 

“Касли,” is an interesting end to the album—the distortion and ambient tones create an alien atmosphere that has a slightly horror atmosphere to it.  The fear of the unknown, of the unseen, can be powerful and that's the feeling I’m getting.  The riffs begin as a crunchy gallop but change throughout to more expressive, expansive leanings.  The vocals are tortious and carry the song’s tragedy along with them.  

All in all, Vspolokh’s “Мрьтвоземъ,” is a solid album of atmospheric black metal that still retains the genre’s penchant for being occult and outside of the mainstream.  This might even appeal to people who normally don’t follow the genre too.  

 Rating: Solid