The Beginning of the End

The Beginning of the End is a four way split album from South Korean label Fallen-Angels Productions that was released in January 2015. Much like the labels previous splits, The Beginning of the End brings four bands from different countries to unleash a chaotic assault of underground black metal: Krigere Wolf (Italy); Waldschrat (Austria); Notre Amertume (France/Bulgaria); and Antiquus Scriptum (Portugal). Featuring ten tracks and over an hour of music, the split is a little difficult to digest, especially given the closing track is a seventeen minutes, but there is a lot of good music within. Each of the bands bring three tracks to the table, except Antiquus Scriptum, who brought the behemoth closer on board.

Krigere Wolf, an Italian black/death metal act that recently dropped their sophomore album Sacrifice to Valaskjàlf, kicks things off with three track of fiery, trem-driven darkness. Their sound is rather raw and abrasive, fronted by raspy, gravelly barks and a constant barrage of frenetic double kicks and bursts of pummeling blasts. But underneath the chaos lies a keen ear for miasmic melodies and catchy riffing. The band has written their intense tracks with the utmost care, which is evident even through the dark and acerbic production.

Austria’s Waldschrat has a back catalog featuring a mix of pagan black metal and neofolk, but for this split the band steers clear of any type of melodic folk on their contribution, minus a small bit at the end of their offering. Sharp, swirling trem riffs and inventive lead melodies surge forward in a driving style of mid-paced black metal. Waldschrat brings that typical naturalistic and earthy tone that most pagan black metal bands exude, with samples of whipping winds for good measure. The production is crisp and clear for the most part, allowing the melodic trem riffing to be the main focal point.

International black metal duo Notre Amertume has participated in two split albums, this one and another with French atmospheric black metal project Ars Moriendi (Arsonist, the man behind Ars Moriendi, is actually the vocalist for Notre Amertume). The tracks are dense, sounding like the black metal equivalent of a heavy fog rolling down a mountain. Minor key melodies waft through while chunky power chords and mid-tempo percussion stomp across. Their sound borrows from the structuring of atmospheric black metal, the tempo and melody of depressive black metal and the explosiveness of raw black metal. It’s all rolled up into a little ball of angst, but it ends up sounding forced, allowing the atmospheric nature to flit away.

Antiquus Scriptum closes out the split with “Primordium / The Skeptic Beholder”, which was the lead track from their 2013 full length Ars Longa, Vita Brevis… which was released through Pesttanz Klangschmiede. It’s a seventeen minute opus of experimental black metal and viking metal. It’s a strong track, staying interesting throughout its entirety. From the symphonic gallantry of the introduction, to the chunky blackened thrashing and cyclical, melodic trem riffing that follow, Antiquus Scriptum bravely step forth into a flowing style that is progressive without being wanky or overly pretentious. Touches of symphonic flourish and short bits of piano are mixed in as well, steering clear from an overcooked style. The vocals take a bit of getting used to, sounding like a mix of clear, raised voice shouting with a bit of viking-esque timbre.

Waldschrat and Krigere Wolf both offer a quick, yet enjoyable glance at their style. Both bands, while not exactly the most original or exciting black metal bands to rear their heads, leave me wanting to hear more. Antiquus Scriptim, without a doubt, steals the show hear with their flowing, progressively-tinged wall of black/viking metal. I was only vaguely familiar with the band prior to hearing this track, but it has certainly warranted further investigation into their relatively large and sprawling discography. Notre Amertume’s sound is forced and lacking, even more so when compared directly against the other bands on the split. Regardless, The Beginning of the End still boasts some solid tracks by some exceptional bands. If you’re looking to delve further into the black metal underground, this split is a fine place to start.

Written for The Metal Observer.