Melancholy Howls in Ceremonial Penitence

Here is an older review I did for one of the demos that is fast gaining traction in the underground black metal scene. This is the second demo from Lamp Of Mumuur, out now via Death Kvlt Productions. With retrospect, this band has become quite popular and shifted quite a lot, but this remains my personal favourite release by them.

Slowly drawing in on unnerving ambience, the dark and depraved sound of synths set a vibrantly occult mood for the onslaught ahead. Soon enough a tsunami of rawly misanthropic black metal riffing, blasts and tortured screams cascade upon us with a ferociously menacing soundscape, not unlike Black Cilice with that unrelenting vitriol that is both disturbing and contrastingly beautiful. Unexpectedly catchy grooves bring the violent 90s sound to the otherworldly atmospherics for an excitingly mixed feel in the music balancing a profound melancholy with the bitter hatred of searing classic Black Metal worship. A scolding array of dissonance, primitive blasting and hauntingly chilling vocals keep the flame burning strong throughout the demo with a raw production suited to the tastefully mournful assaults.

The release has an incredibly intense and unique atmosphere which is unforgettable when coupled with the blazing inferno of musicianship and structural integrity that this demo possesses, showing a clear confidence in ability and songwriting alike. To me this is a damn strong example of the excellence to be found in some modern demos that ravages you with a refreshing take on black metal that is entirely new without sacrificing the spirit of the genre, truly astounding with a phenomenally harsh conjuration of bestial melodies to keep you on your toes throughout. If the hammering drums, icy maniacal riffs and sorrowful screaming isn’t quite enough, then surely the well balanced discordant harmonies and spewing static occultist energies will convince the doubters. This is an utterly fierce, gorgeously executed and unforgettably disturbing demo tape that keeps not only the sonic audacity of the genre alive but the analogue-only integrity to match. Do not miss out on this demo if you have a chance to get yourself a copy, as only 1 track is streaming digitally and you do not want to let this release pass you by.

One of the finest underground black metal releases in sound and spirit convulsing with eeriness and blackened worship that shall unnerve even the most seasoned fanatics. While fulfilling the role of a demo to leave you seeking more, it still retains the feeling of a complete release of excellency in its own right.

Written for www.nattskog.wordpress.com