Now, let’s be honest, symphonic black metal doesn’t always work out that well – unless it’s the 90s and you’re Emperor or Dimmu Borgir. But amongst things that generally don’t work out in life – like, for example, standing in front of moving Heavy Goods Vehicles – there are the odd occasions when you just bounce off unscathed and even fancy doing it again. On their third full-length ‘Desolate Echoes of Turmoil’, Norway’s Profane Burial are the truck and I find myself a willing target.
Featuring three members who are, or have been, associated with other notable projects such as Borknagar and Haimad, there is no shortage of experience and musical belt-tightening here. The album’s greatest strengths are twofold. Firstly, the vertebra of the record is highly accomplished, aggressive and downright icy second wave black metal. From the clinical drum vortex, through the dissonant guitar walls and the caustic and abrasive vocal, there is everything to enjoy here. Secondly, and probably most importantly, the symphonic elements are employed with such a progressive approach that they, predominantly, fight against the song structures – thus providing an unsettling and very refreshing approach to the genre.
Yes, even with this deployment of almost Akerfeldt like precision, there are moments that do stray a little into musical theatre – but they are generally saved by a warm and bluesy guitar line rising up through the absurdity.
‘Desolate Echoes of Turmoil’ is without doubt an inspiring, cinematic and proficient listening experience. The technicalities of both musicianship and production are clearly on display here and the results are an album that you invest in, rather than one that you rest in.
Best Paired With: A Basement, Not Being able to find anywhere comfortable to sit, and itching.
profane turmoil – desolate echoes of turmoil is out now on these hands melt.
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