ALBUM REVIEW: RAVEN THRONE - I MIORTVYM SNICCA ZOLAK
Belarusian black metal outfit ‘Raven Throne’ have not had an easy ride since their formation back in 2004. Numerous lineup changes would have been more than enough to justify many bands calling it a day, but despite the many obstacles they have faced over the years, ‘Raven Throne’ have released a stunning back catalogue of atmospheric black metal. ‘I MIORTVYM SNICCA ZOLAK’ is their sixth and most recent record after 2016’s brilliant ‘Šliacham zabytych’. With a running time of 38 minutes, ‘I MIORTVYM SNICCA ZOLAK’ is a concise six track collection of Slavic poems adapted into black metal; or to use their own words “These are poems by Belarusian poets of the first half of the 20th century in a dark frame of atmospheric metal. The images of the unique Belarusian nature, the tragedy of the personality, the great drama of history - all this combined with the music of ‘Raven Throne’ is woven into a cohesive and conceptual work.”
Put simply, ‘I MIORTVYM SNICCA ZOLAK’ is a modern masterpiece. The soundscapes that ‘Raven Throne’ convey throughout the record are magnificent and wholly immersive. You don’t just listen to ‘I MIORTVYM SNICCA ZOLAK’, you experience it. As with their previous records, ‘Raven Throne’ polarise blasts of extreme metal against melodic folk instrumentals, but with this record the tone is more evenly balanced than before. You don’t need to understand the lyrics to the poems recited as all emotions are powerfully conveyed sonically, be it the mystical folk instrumental track ‘Vosień’ or the furious aggression of final track ‘Žyvoj kryvi žyvyja cielcy’. Sonically, each track on ‘I MIORTVYM SNICCA ZOLAK’ takes you on a journey as the music twists and turns in various directions. Alternating between acoustic folk parts to white hot metallic riffs at the flick of a switch. However, it is only after repeat listens that the true beauty of each song becomes apparent. Every track is crammed full with subtle extras that contribute to a much broader soundscape. The hypnotic guitar tremolos that evolve into a heavy arpeggio riff accompanied by an almost drone like bass on ‘Pole cicha šaptała kałossiem…’ or the haunting backing vocals on ‘Vosień’ all play their part in making ‘I MIORTVYM SNICCA ZOLAK’ a truly magnificent achievement.
Anyone with even the slightest interest in atmospheric metal needs to listen to this record now. 10/10
Personal Highlight: Track 3 ‘Imža, i sklizota, i prykraja zol’ stands out on an album full of great songs. Starting as an eerie yet startlingly beautiful acoustic folk piece the guitars suddenly blast into one of the heaviest and catchiest metal riffs we have ever heard. The volume and power are overwhelming throughout the track as the band continue at a galloping pace whilst still alternating between fast metal and slow folk. The lead riff remains as the major recurring theme throughout, yet the phenomenal guitar solos that ride over top never distract, but add to the majesty.
