Zemsta

Zemsta is the second full length by Polish symphonic black metal band Hellveto, a one man band controlled by a man named LON. Comparing Zemsta to all of the other full lengths shows us that this particular release is by far his shortest, but only by a few minutes.

I consider his first 3 full lengths Autumnal Night, Zemsta, and Medieval Scream to be one of his great trios. Those who have heard Autumnal Night or Medieval Scream will see that Zemsta is a highly competent sequel to the former and amazing prelude to the latter. The production, song writing formulas, and themes are quite similar.

But if you have heard those albums, then you should know that Zemsta has a very light, low-fi production. It's actually quite unique because it actually comes off as pretty clear. The guitars are plenty audible although this is mostly orchestral dominated work here. Overall, the production makes it a very easy listen that doesn't leave you with a bitter some and ugly aftertaste when it's over.

Unlike Autumnal Night, the theme of the songs don't feel as much battle oriented, but are still very triumphant in their own fashion and there are parts where the symphonics have their own parts. Such an example occurs Akt IV (track 5) with the almost - cheery parts in the middle.

However, this album is far from cheesy, which is an all too common weakness in other symphonic bands. Instead, the music feels rather intelligent and intellectual almost in the vain of Mozart or Beethoven. I've yet to get this feeling from other symphonic bands other than Hellveto, and the production on Zemsta really emphasizies these thoughts.

There is a fair amount of variety to be found in Zemsta. I'll briefly give a description of each track since there are only six of them.


Wstêp "Poranek Martwego Soñca"
A very triumphant song that slowly builds up and slowly adds more symphonic instruments into the mix. A remarkable way to start the album.

Akt I "Od Halgilibrum Po Blakagir"
Typical Hellveto type of song - faster but broken up into a few parts and reminds me of many songs off Medieval Scream and In Arms of the Kurpian Phantom. The last 3/4s has beautiful symphonic work.

Akt II "Plonace Posagi"
When I made that comment about how this album had an intelligent feel to it, this was really the song that helped me see that idea. It has a certain vibe to it that I can't quite describe. Great chants towards the end.

Akt III "Zapomniana Wyrocznia"
The slowest and quietest song on the album. There is mostly acoustic work in the beginning but just when your attention fades away, the song goes back into full blast. It might be the weakest song of the album, but that's not saying much at all - the ending is magnificent.

Akt IV "Dni Okupione ezami"
My personal favorite on the album. Here is where things get really catchy due to the great symphonic instrument and guitar work cooperation. Probably the darkest song on the album, as well, displaying LON's idea of variety.

Zakoñczenie "Smak Cierpienia"
This track is just a very slow, drawn out ending to the album. The atmosphere produced is one of a kind and leaves the listener wanting more. It has almost a beautiful, but evil sounding vibe to it - almost as if some kind of revenge is to be had.

The vocals here probably most remind of Ihsahn's vocals a la Emperor's ITNE except a lot clearer. Chants can be found throughout each song many times. You'll grow to appreciate them even if they don't catch on immediately.

I strongly encourage you to purchase Zemsta and any other of L.O.N's work if intellectual symphonic/orchestral black metal really interests you. Zemsta may be one of his best releases, hence it would be a great place to start. This is way better than the mainstream, more popular generic symphonic bands with homoerotic influences. Look hard for Zemsta and you won't be disappointed.