Odium (The Downfall of the Bleeding Hearts)

It seems that Germany has spawned many great black metal bands, especially those in the depressive/atmospheric sub-genre; like the well-known Wedard, Nyktalgia and Sterbend, but also Todtgelichter, Todeskult, Trauer and others. Lost life is another band from Germany that plays atmospheric/depressive black metal.

Even there is so much bands in this genre, and that much from Germany, every band has a sound of their own, which is a very good thing. Lost Life is a one-man band whose sole member Nephsus plays all the instruments. While there is a depressive/atmospheric component to the music, it is much more raw black metal than D/A BM. First, the lyrics, which aren't provided, have other subjects beside the classic depression and self-mutilation, those being hate and anti-christianity. These subjects are much more prominent than the trite depressive ones. The vocals are classic black metal rasps and shrieks, that are often decipherable, with occasional clean vocals, in some of the interludes. Vocals are executed with conviction, you can almost feel the hatred towards mankind. The main lyrical theme of the album, as the title would suggest is some apocalyptic vision where mankind disappears, while the protagonist of the story relishes in his nihilistic contempt.

The music is, as I have already said, more raw, old-school, true black metal, with norwegian inspiration, than usual depressive/atmospheric. There is no repetition of motives ad nauseam, song-structures tend to be varied, with tempo changes and with different parts that are not variations of the main theme, as it's with the usual D/A BM. Guitars have albeit being very raw sounding, a deep ad rich tone to them, the bass is not prominent. The drums serve their purpose of providing the rhythm. Keyboards only appear in the intro/outro and interludes, giving that specific sorrowful depressive/atmospheric edge. With that said, do not expect progressive songwriting. Most songs are in mid-tempo, several are faster, but the music never wanders into swedish territory. At first listen you will not be able to differentiate the songs, save the interludes. Also, this is in no way technical, ''original'', innovating or whatnot. It is standard black metal done right. I already said what sets artists apart from the others. It is the might of inspiration and the emotions he puts into creating his art and the resulting outcome that is perceived emotionnally by the listener, in the case of music. So, this album shows two major leanings that represent an unique dichotomy: while the majority of the album, ie. the proper songs, is the projection of hatred towards humanity and the relish of its disappearance in a post-apocalyptic scenery, the interludes display another emotion, which is also heartfelt, due to Nephesus' talent. Even nihilism and hatred towards the human race prevails, as the protagonist is also part of it, the other side of the mirror is reflected very well. It is a sorowful loneliness, even it coms from his elitist rejection. The final mournful melody from the final BM song ''Forest of the Forgtten'' wails away, to be replaced by the outro, crystal gates to nowhere, which seems to be an allegory of a the notion that the ideal place, without the (human) taint is no existent. all the instrumental pieces offer a variation on the same theme, which unifies the album and strenghtens its musical and lyrical ideas.

To conclude, I'd recommend this album to anyone who likes black metal, whatever sub-genre it is. Nephesus has made an intelligent piece of black metal that is interesting, enjoyable, beautiful and memorable.