Pas.to.rale

After spending the better part of five years focusing on the experimental black metal project Blliigghhtted and the multidimensional, shape-shifting, and increasingly controversial creative outlet Viranesir, Emir Toğrul seems to be returning to his roots with the fifth Yayla full length, Pas.to.rale. Yayla has been known for striking an equilibrium between ambient passages and monolithic black metal, and, while Pas.to.rale continues in that vein, it would seem the constant tinkering and experimentation with his other projects has brought a more full bodied, balanced sound.

This experimentation presents itself in the structuring of the songs, as nothing is presented in a linear fashion. Much like previous albums, the buzzing, trance-inducing tremolo riffing is still present, yet it's presented in a way that's less monolithic. Perhaps it's the rambunctious percussion that constantly shifts or the way that the riffs transition from sweeping trems into cyclical patterns resembling drone, it's clear that Pas.to.rale shows Toğrul furthering the band's sound while retaining its signature. Despite the shift, Pas.to.rale presents itself as a rather dark and mystical ambient black metal album, checking off the hallmarks of the style.

Beginning with the heaviest hitting, and longest, track of the album, “Altars in Sewer Temples”, discordant growls, ominous rumbling bass and frenetic percussion make way for distorted trem riffing, growing in stature until collapsing under its own weight. Tendrils of airy synths break free, as the rest of the instruments take a back seat. This pattern reemerges several times throughout the album, offering this interplay between stark black metal and synth driven, ambient passages which border on dungeon synth in a few spots. It's rather trance-inducing at times, as the din of the black metal and the lull of the synths merge seamlessly evoking an almost mystical feel.

Mesmerizing and buzzing guitars notes reverberate through cyclical patterns of murk on “Endless Regrets” while a chaotic beat backs the soothing synths of “Pandora”. In spite of all of the colliding elements and nuanced movements, Pas.to.rale is an album that is immediately accessible, though repeated listens do unveil hidden intricacies. While the albums does seem to lean more towards sweeping passages of black metal, clouds of ritualistic ambient often move in, like the sparse electronic flitting and percussion amid single struck synth notes on “Rats” and the mesmerizing synth string tones of “They Are Losing You from Me” that closes out the album. It's quite clear that Pas.to.rale is not going to be for everyone, but those looking for ambient black metal that is chaotic and mesmeric should give this a try.