Pictures of the Void

After stints with Necrocult and Unholy Massacre, Brazilian multi-instrumentalist B.A.V. created a black metal project called Despot. The band released a trio of demos in 2009 and 2010 before buckling down for a debut full length album, Satan in the Death Row, which was released in 2013. While the debut full length showed B.A.V. to be a man with a solid grasp on crafting interesting black metal slathered with death/thrash riffing, symphonic flourishes and traditional metal soloing, the album seemed to lack the proverbial oomph, most likely caused by the use of drum machines, among other tidbits. Regardless, it was a good album and showed Despot poised on the brink of great things.

In 2015, B.A.V. brought drummer and keyboardist Diogo into the Despot fold, effectively wiping out the need for programmed drums. With this new lineup in tow, the band recorded four new tracks for an EP titled Pictures of the Void. Released at the end of March as a digital download, Pictures of the Void brings a similar sound of death/thrash influenced black metal with a slight symphonic flavor. With this twenty-five minute release, B.A.V. has corrected many of the issues with his previous material, while maintaining a penchant for writing good songs. The drum sound is much more organic than previous material, remaining forceful while not stealing the show. The guitars bring multifaceted riffing that effortlessly switches from fiery trem riffing to galloping palm muting to mid-tempo chords layered with melodic lead licks. The vocals are vicious, throat-scraping snarls, which is similar to much of the South American black metal scene.

It would be a bit rash to pigeonhole Despot as anything but black metal, despite the wanton influences at play. Traces of the rangy riffing of Destruction and the primal savagery of early Bathory creep into B.A.V.’s songwriting, combining with the Scandinavian-tinged black metal, creating a sound that is quite nostalgic yet not a rehashed ripoff of the legends. Sure, the frequent melodic licks sound similar to classic Dissection and the atmospheric flourishes bring tinges of early Emperor, Despot manages to be influenced without becoming derivative. This really seems to be because of B.A.V.’s frequent shifting between black metal, death/thrash riffing and traditionally inspired components, giving Pictures of the Void a fresh feel despite the well-trod sound.

Pictures of the Void is certainly a step in the right direction for Despot. B.A.V., once again, shows his chops and songwriting strengths by crafting a well balanced EP that plays like the sum of its influences without sound tired, dated or contrived. Those looking for an interesting take on black metal that is true to its roots despite taking things in a slightly different direction should check this out. Hopefully the band can continue to improve, as Despot appears to be poised on the brink of unleashing something monstrous.

Written for The Metal Observer.