Moloch "Verwüstung" CD

Limited to 1000 jewel case copies with 8-pages booklet
Track 9 is a Frédéric François Chopin symphony (hidden track on CD, play after more than 20 minutes of silence on track 9).

"Verwüstung" is dedicated to Varg Vikernes. Special mastering for CD version were done.

Booklet painting by Odilon Redon (Bertrand-Jean Redon (1840-1916).

Music written and recorded between dismal Winter 2012 - 2013. Lyrics were written between 2002 - 2006. Vocals, Bass, Distorted Bass, Keyboards and Rhythm Guitar recorded by Sergiy Fjordsson at S.o.h.D. studio (Ukraine) during foreverdark Autumn/Winter 2013. Rhythm and Lead Guitars recorded by Azathoth at Fields of Tears Studio (Poland) during Winter 2012. Drums recorded by Gionata Potenti at BeastCave Studio (Italy) during Cold Autumn 2013. Tracks 2-7 Mixed and Mastered by Alex Menabde at Alex Menabde studio (Georgia) in December 2013. Tracks 1 & 8 Recorded and Mastered by Sergiy Fjordsson at S.o.h.D. studio (Ukraine) in December 2013.

I’ve only recently become a fan of Moloch who has consistently been releasing dark ambient/black metal music since 2002. On a whim last year I purchased the Einsamer Platz Zu Sterben EP and was immediately struck by the heaviness. Even with such a large body of work I must admit that so far haven’t heard anything I didn’t like. The latest full length I purchased on cassette -Verwüstung (translated-Devastation) and it weaves effortlessly through different levels of low fi arrangement mixed with elements of ambient and classic black metal sounds. From the start, the scene is set with the icy and ominous instrumental Todesstille. After the cold ambience settles, Moloch quickly sheds and exposes the rage with Blutmond. It's clearly reminiscent of old school black metal with attacking guitars and onslaught of blast beats unlike some of the other slower atmospheric work I've heard. Then one by one the tracks grow like thorn covered vines, unstoppable and bursting with intense emotion. Spiritueller Selbstmord unfolds like a ritual castration of the soul, bound to pain and sorrow and it's here where I feel the guitars are most melodically powerful. The hellish and excruciating Negativität is very trademark Moloch in vocals. The distinguishable shrieks of blinding rage with distress rise up and fall like crashing waves on a bleak and isolated shore. Du bist nichts in dieser sterbenden Welt (translated: You're Nothing in the Dying World) is a stand out on this release. Here lies a gut wrenching clarity of expression and a strong marriage of guitars and drumming that carry the vocals along in a pure and honest way. The structure of each track is tight and well thought out, yet this offering manages to relay a sense of inner turmoil and chaos. There are fast and slow moments here that provide the listener with a well rounded musical experience of what Moloch is about. Overall, the landscape echoed by Verwüstung is genuinely moving and reflect the styles that make up the extensive catalog. My only complaint is that I wish it were longer, but there is no shortage of material to explore. For anyone who’s never listened to Moloch – this would be a good starting point.

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