Pacing the Cyclic Nether

Velnias writes somewhat stripped down black metal. The metal elements are still definitely there, but most of the material isn't exactly teeming with layers of guitar melody or ambience. However what we do get is a very solid, effective EP by this two-person project. At times the release seems to teeter on black-and-roll, but this doesn't exactly detract from the experience.

Several parts involve more calm acoustic passages, which will either build a nice quick bridge, or a calm introduction. Although the toms and snare could be a tad louder, the drumming is quite effective without being too flashy or filling, yet remaining consistently interesting throughout. There's a pretty excellent 'drummer boy' piece towards the end of "Transcendence Through Blight" which always catches my attention.

Mainly like to see these guys work towards creating their own musical identity. There's a lot of good song writing going on here, but nothing that truly stands out among the many releases and demands that you listen to it above anything else. What we have here is a quality four track EP, and if Velnias sticks to their obviously great song writing, they could definitely go places.