Handnumbered Replica copy of the split Demo tape, 1st time with pro printed tape and flip cover. Limited 200 copies
A Side: Mightiest
B Side: Depressive Silence
Running Time approx 65 Minutes.
For this review challenge, I'm gonna be tackling a split done by Mightiest and Depressive Silence titled "The Recreation of the Shadowlands / Depressive Silence". As per usual with my split reviews, each artist will be reviewed separately.
Mightiest
Mightiest is a rather obscure melodic black metal band from Germany that not a lot of people know about. Their first release, "The Recreation of the Shadowlands", actually has some excellent moments. The general production in this side is noisy, as the guitars and drums end up mixing into one noise at certain moments. However, the guitar riffs on here are the strongest elements on this side, as its raw sound, yet melodic riffing does bring out a mixed atmosphere of chaos and soul that works fantastically. The synth-driven tracks like "Depression" and "Silence" (see what they did there?) are also just as strong, as the cheap, yet soothing synths play some relaxing tunes that are atmospheric and wonderful. While the first half of this split is great, I felt like the second half of this split stagnated a little, particularly with the vocals. Nazgul's vocals on here are great, since his shrieks boom with power and only further executes the lyrics he shouts. However, in the second half, his vocals get a bit more mediocre, and don't feel as spectacular as in the first half. Even the guitars can occasionally play some riffs that sound similar to other black metal songs from before. But while the second half sort of decreases in quality, this side overall felt great, as it's raw, yet melodic style of black metal felt sincere and profound.
Depressive Silence
Now, unlike Mighiest's side, which features a mix of black metal and ambient, Depressive Silence's side mainly consists of dungeon synth with no black metal. However, Depressive Silence is well-known for making some fantastic dungeon synth, and this side is no exception. Beginning with the track "Medieval Demons", you hear some bells that play a light tone followed by some booms and oceanic synths that create an atmosphere of grandness. The cheap sound of the synths also further enhance this atmosphere, as it gives the track a more antique look, and makes the old-school atmosphere more sincere. But in the middle of track, the atmosphere becomes a lot more emotional, as the booms get louder and the vocals kick in with their chants that make everything sound vast and epic. This entire track is definitely a highlight on this side, but the other two tracks are also great, with "Düsterwald" in particular having an angelic atmosphere that works great with its melodic pipe. Depressive Silence's side here is absolutely amazing, and is right up there with their 1996 demo for their best works.
Conclusion
Overall, this split was pretty great. Mightiest's side had plenty of fantastic melodic black metal moments, even though the second half didn't felt as great. Depressive Silence's side was also fantastic, as their dungeon synth-driven atmosphere made it a killer side for some calming ambient music. If you're a fan of melodic black metal and/or dungeon synth, then I won't have a problem recommending both sides on here.
Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY8S6NJHWG4&t=4s
