Advancing in Circles

Spain has produced a significant amount of great metal bands over the past few years so it should not come as surprise that black metal commando Korzo is another name to add to the list. While the members of the band are veterans also active in other outfits “Advancing in Circles” is their first full length under this moniker.

This album is horrifying, harrowing and darkening but also inherits a certain beauty and glimmers of hope. It reminds me of some classics, but it’s more gloomy and more frowzy than most of its peers. It’s fast, jaw-dropping, skull-crushing fast. But it has also atmospheric, calm, slow passages too. The guitar layers are so thick that it requires multiples listens to appreciate the true beauty of this album. From the acoustic pieces to clean, suffocating guitar melodies to melancholic leads to the dirty, infernal riffs - the atmosphere in this album will suck you in and not let go until the last second.

This record is not about technical showcases or an attempt to sound as brutal as possible. Each song has a well thought-out build up with a lot of moody interludes that are used for interconnecting the different musical parts. The vocals here are full of ferocious, throaty bellows and primal roars. That suits so perfectly with the music and the post-apocalyptic atmosphere too.

“Advancing with Circles” comes with a flawless and powerful production. The mix is clear and the overall sound is very transparent but not sterile. The drums have an immense punch and even the bass is audible. Korzo have delivered a highly professional product that is easily on par with the works of better known bands. If you like your black metal well-produced and relentless yet catchy then this record should be on your list. Like with all Talheim products you easily get your money’s worth as the digipak edition is of high quality and includes great and atmospheric artwork.