White Ward "Illusions" CD

Experimental Post-Black Metal from Ukraine CD in jewelcase with 4-page booklet

This EP showcases a somewhat-generic, though well-done and enjoyable style of shoegaze/black metal music. The songs each rely on depressive acoustic intros, comprising of altered minor chords with chorus effect, which are then joined by distorted, overdriven guitars that play dragged-out power chords and often harmonize with each other on the octave note. The guitars then progress to tremolo picked minor chords with a third guitar accompanying later with a "solo" (usually just a series of repetitive 6th string notes, but fitting nontheless). The bass is thick and audible, but often is staccato, mirroring the staccato guitars. Though this works on the guitars, the addition of the staccato bass gives some parts of the song a plodding feel. The drums alternate between fast and mid-tempo bass/hihat/snare variations, fitting the overlying guitar noise well. The musicians here are clearly talented and craft out intentionally melancholy and depressive songs.
However, the vocalist for White Ward is just boring. His vocals add nothing to the music, and in some places detract from the brilliant riffs, such as on the intro of "World of Closed Graves". They carry a grating, low-end style of black metal singing, similar to bands like LSSAH and Baalberith. Though the vocal style works for those two bands, it spoils the music here.
There are some nice unique touches throughout, such as piano throughout the song "Guilty if I", and the second guitar solo on that same song, which displays talented guitar skills. In fact, the guitarist '0' is extremely aware of how to compose this style of music, and does so well.
If one listens to this genre for the instrumentation and depressive feel of songs, and needs a new listen, get this. It's a decent way to spend 25 minutes. However, I wouldn't recommend this for those who feel vocals are crucial in this style of music.

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