Black cassette with grey print-on. Limited to 50 copies and comes with foldout j-card.
For twenty years, Swedish black metal band, Svartsyn has consistently churned out some of the most brilliant and highly under-rated releases of all time. With top-shelf offerings such as 2000's, ...His Majesty, and 2005's, Bloodline (which was actually recorded in '97/'98), it is hard to fathom how a band of this level have not gained a wider appreciation and a much-deserved recognition for just how influential and important they really are. Despite this, however, Svartsyn's short comings also act as a reflection to their success. While never seemingly having been able to break out from under the radar, they have been capable to maintain a mass of cult followers; a testament to the band's talent, ability to thrive through hardships, remain true, and endure the test of time.
Svartsyn return from the shadows on May 28th to offer their seventh studio release, Black Testament. This highly anticipated release follows up 2011's, Wrath Upon The Earth, and finds the band continuing its reign of an aggressive and often times down-right brutal brand of black metal. This is a very aggressive, pounding album. The band continues to produce a thick and heavy sounding brand of black metal comprised of phenomenal guitar wizardry, explosive drumming and regurgitated vocals. If you're looking for a "majestic and beautiful" sounding black metal release, Black Testament is not it, as evil lurks around every corner throughout album's eight tracks. The songs themselves are balanced nicely with varying differences in tempo and intensities. At times, Svartsyn sounds as if they have been subtly influenced by some of the more recent avant-garde French black metal bands, such as label mates, Aosoth, as heard in the song "Revelation In The Waters" and the title track, "Black Testament". Other stand-out tracks include, "Demoness With Seven Names" and "Rising Beast".
Overall, Black Testament will be a highlight among this year's black metal releases. Svartsyn offer up a slab of darkness and death that demands attention and is worthy of praise. It is amazing to think, after 20 years, that a band can still flourish it's potential and keep it fresh in an authentic way. With a straight forward, no-nonsense approach, Svartsyn has crafted another stellar black metal release, as well as, another vital extension to their already solid discography. Black Testament will not only be appreciated by fans of old, but will likely be heralded by newcomers alike. Highly recommended!
Sample: youtube.com/watch?v=p_CGnH9GGRc
