Burial Hex - Initiations (Aurora Borealis, 2008)

This blog will deal with all matters of music I find kvlt, not simply of the traditional black metal variety. That said, I present to you Burial Hex, a project of ceremonial noise. This is music steeped in gothic, primal and pagan traditions. Sometimes somber organ melodies, sometimes harsh shrieking vocals, sometimes scraping metal, Wisconsin's Clay Ruby offers viscous abrasion with organic and electronic fluidity. He is uncompromising in every way, a prolific and underrated composer who's every release is impressive for different reasons.

Leviathan - A Silhouette in Splinters (Profound Lore, 2005)

Through me you pass into the city of woe:
Through me you pass into eternal pain:
Through me among the people lost for aye.

Justice the founder of my fabric mov'd:
To rear me was the task of power divine,
Supremest wisdom, and primeval love.

Before me things create were none, save things
Eternal, and eternal I endure.
All hope abandon ye who enter here.

Such characters in colour dim I mark'd
Over a portal's lofty arch inscrib'd:
Whereat I thus: Master, these words import.

--Dante Alighieri "Divine Comedy, 1321

Wrest is one of the most complex and fascinating characters in Black Metal today. Barring all the controversy about his personal life, he remains a prolific and competent artist in multiple realms. He is the force behind not only Leviathan but Lurker of Chalice (my favorite album of 2006) and a contributor to Twilight, Nachtmystium and Sunn O))).

I can't praise this album enough. Whereas Leviathan is typically a project that emulates classic washed out and lo-fi depressive black metal recordings that always sound like demo tapes, you'll find no blastbeats here. This is a purely ambient venture that rivals the likes of early Lustmord. Droning layers of electric guitar slink across our conscious mental processes, navigating dark and untouched hemispheres of repressed memories. Meditative and patient, these environments quietly shriek of malevolence, misanthropy and discontent. 

Without resolution, this album eloquently leads us down a road toward hopelessness. Listening to this record is akin to watching the apocalypse unfold before your eyes after ingesting an overdose of sedatives.




Originally posted in The Nomadic Subject

Exiled From Light - There is No Beauty Left Here (Hypnotic Dirge, 2010)

Exiled From Light is Mort, the Auckland, New Zealand native from Winds of Sorrow, Balthazar, When Mine Eyes Blacken, and Nekrofrost. One man pile of disdainful self-hating suicidal depression. Lovely take on masochism, really just lovely.

Angest Herre & Hordah Blaästhiir - Suite Neurasthénique pour la Pendaison (Split CDr, Cruciatus, 2009)

This is a little known masterpiece of Depressive Black Metal from two separate French acts. Slowly building, beautifully distorted and melancholic guitars, synths, and drums are contrasted with plaintive tortured screams.