Instinct "Instinct" CD

Here, with this forth release from England’s Instinct, we see Verst is truly consistent in terms of quality, output and commitment to his art.
Three tracks make up this album, though the third ‘Elemental Purification Part 6’ (nice bit of continuity there) is taken from ’Demo Two’ originally released in 2007, a review of which has been added elsewhere here, therefore this review covers the two new recordings.
‘Instinct’ is a leap forward in terms of production quality and I think this will be recognised by listeners first of all; the music can clearly be identified as Instinct with those dense guitar tones smothering the listener while repetitive rhythms (real drums of course) solidly drag the whole beast along.
Acoustic guitars are in place, another characteristic of Verst’s music, though here they are present throughout, panned left and right, intertwining subtle melodies way back in the mix.
As I understand it, the two new tracks (‘Misanthropy Until Regression Through Nature… To A New Dawn Shining With purity’ what a fucking title!) are in fact one lengthy composition broken down into two parts, taking the listener on a near thirty minute, musically dynamic journey to the dark recesses of Verst’s mind.
Without doubt the sheer layered ambient density of this song will draw you in, as it did me, cutting you off from reality, you will fall into the depressive abyss, wishing nature would rid herself of you and the rest of humanity. Clearly Verst’s misanthropic attitude permeates all aspects of this release, and it feels undeniably real; the instrumental playing, vocals and atmosphere reflect this, and that atmosphere!; I cannot comprehend how it is achieved, I have heard very few recent black metal releases with such a sound.
A refreshing change comes in the vocal delivery which is shared between Verst and guest ‘I’; the variation works so well compared to earlier releases with Verst’s familiar screams strong throughout, there are also agonised shouts, spoken passages and at the end of part one, a fantastic sung section (yes that’s fucking right, and it works in some twisted trad doom way) emerges from the subtle clean guitar interlude.
I will conclude; this album will consume you, repeated listens allow so many melodies and nuances to emerge, a finely crafted piece of melancholic art.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...