Deathgate

Deathgate is Dusk's fourth album, and it certainly shows a great deal of improvement over their last three recordings, which while worthy in ways, were nothing too special. This release has a more original feeling, and a great deal of raw passion, making it both atmospheric and worth the time to listen to its dark hymns of the Carpathian night.

The production is rawer on here then previous recordings, but it still has a clarity to make out instruments and the progressions of the songs. The guitars remind me a bit of Sargeist, being raw yet slightly clear. Drums are rough, high in the mix yet not overpowering. Bass plays a supporting role as a distorted undertow. The vocals are reverbed and audible, made up of aggressive shrieks and a venomous mid range growl.

The songwriting has developed on this recording, the riffs are more memorable, although they seem to be more of an ambient pulse of melody and notes that lull the listener while the drums aggressively pound away. Overall the sound is closer to an underground black metal feeling then their previous recordings, seeking to create a crusty ancient atmosphere and succeding.

This album was a step in the right direction for Hungary's Dusk, and a step on a pathway that they have continued down to their benefit. Simply put, while their previous albums tried to create a daek ancient carpathian atmosphere, this one actually does, and it features excellent songs that take the listener on journey's into Dusk's realm. If you are a fan of musty forest black metal bringing to mind robed death worshippers in Carpathian forests at night, this is recommended.