- 350gsm Jacket with inside flooded in black and matt varnish
- 140g Red Vinyl
- 250gsm art paper Insert
- A2 Poster on 150gsm art paper
- Limited to 300 copies
Portugal’s legendary raw black metal cult Black Cilice return with their 6th album.
Did Black Cilice get rawer? That is the first question that comes to my mind as the despairing, malicious assault of blasting drums and unhallowed guitar riffs contort into spectral movements alongside vocal chord tearing howls. Hideous and yet beautiful, the churning low-end is minimal but gives a backbone to the trebly wails of the band. Slower moments pack a bit more of a punch into terms of rhythm while the eerie coldness of the music is absolute, as always. The ghastly way in which they move is certainly present, something that makes Black Cilice easy to identify, which although many have tried to recreate, few were successful. This is anguishing music, something one should be aware of by now, but for any newcomers to this mysterious entity, they are not an easy nor kind listen. This is the kind of music that will tear through your spirit with icy daggers and leave a husk behind. The ritualistic, crawling drums and mesmerising guitars creating a glacial backdrop to the mangled vocalists pained screeches in such a powerful yet naturally un-produced way. I think it is fair to say, this is some of their most unforgiving music to date from the opening moments.
Although I have extensively referenced the rawness of their music, that is not all Black Cilice is about. Something people would be wise to remember. Through the veils of static, there is some wonderfully crafted melodies and extremely strong songs. They are not gifted to the listener willingly, there is a keenness one needs to really appreciate them but for those who can work with the abrasive sounds, a rewarding experience awaits. “Channelling Old Power” for example is a very intoxicating track, while swathed in very caustic pieces sitting either side of it, something Black Cilice are very clever about when dictating the running order of songs to avoid sonic complacency. I would definitely say that this is also their most emotive release to date, with plenty of melancholic moments tied into some legitimately scathing bouts of vicious anger and bitterness.
There is a wondrous depravity to their sound which is just as rich and toxic here as ever, I truly believe this band will never lose that thing that makes them special in that regard. Closing on the strongest track is an interesting move that sees the bludgeoning heaviness of “Towards Transcendence” inject a first wave Black Metal approach into Black Cilice’s own unique sound to magnificent effect. Building throughout the entire album to this moment of chaotic frenzy, feeling like a bestial spirit has been unleash and will never be retracted from a state of feral transcendence, making the experience of the entire record an absolute necessity to truly appreciating any of it. Though this is true for any of their material, I think with the new album it doubly applies and ensures a more rewarding experience. Haunting, evocative and profoundly bleak yet punishingly aggressive, this rite is one of utter darkness.
A new Black Cilice release is something I will always welcome, as a fan of their entire body of work. For me, the previous 2 full lengths and recent EP are their strongest works but this is also not a disappointment. Though not quite topping those aforementioned predecessors, there is still that untamed black metal spirit displayed in full force here, giving us a magnificent new album of raw, majestic, violent ecstasy.
Sample: youtube.com/watch?v=vUf1oWnVffE
