(We present Daniel Barkasi’s review of. new album by the international black metal band Darvaza, released last week by Terratur Possessions. Band photography by Necroshorns.)
When attempting to think of an active band who embodies the essence of what black metal is, can, and should be, the name Darvaza should be at the forefront of thought.
Harnessing the tried-and-true of the genre’s originators, while imposing their own devilish defiance and musical ideals, the two-piece has blazed their own path since their 2015 EP The Downward Descent, and since have steadily cemented their place in the pantheon of darkness. Ascending into Perdition in 2022 set a high marker for the band, especially impressive with that being their first full-length – a release that even the most skeptical approve of without hesitation.
At long last, the wait for the eagerly anticipated album number two is at an end, with We are Him ready to be unleashed. With the weight of expectation hanging overhead, the question is if Darvaza can continue delivering as they have. No pressure.
Omega and Wraath have a list of bands that’s akin to an encyclopedia of current day black metal’s finest, so we’ll refer to the trusty Metal Archives to check that, but point being, these are two musicians who are infinitely capable, and truthfully, a disappointing release we can’t recall. There isn’t a solid reason to doubt them, so that streak of esteemed quality remaining intact with We Are Him is of little shock.
Opening with a grandiose symphonic choir is a divergent maneuver, but it works, serving as a fine lead-in to the opening riff on “Holy Blood” to show that they’re not fussing about. Darvaza have always produced unreasonably catchy black metal, and this first offering is the definition of that self-imposed doctrine. The guitars cut and hammer profusely; every note is plotted with unholy purpose, with each progression increasing the tension to a fever pitch. Whenever you think they couldn’t possibly toss another infectious riff at you, they have three in their pocket. The change at 1:31 is especially spellbinding.
“A Last Prayer in Gethsemane” continues by way of groove-infused mania and buzzing soundscapes, with Wraath’s coarse barks being not only heard but felt, fusing with fervent guitars to manifest a spinning cyclone of malevolence. His tone is a recognizable one throughout his projects, always filled to the brim with seething animosity. Omega’s instrumentation as a whole is sublime, and when broken down into individual components, the framing and execution is pinpoint and definitive. The drums emit power and steer the songs where they need to go, and his guitars ooze with personality and craftsmanship. Most importantly, a real feel is portrayed that wants to break you down in the most vile way imaginable.
The bass adds additional rhythm that’s easy to discern (an issue for some black metal, burying it to inaudible levels), with the menacing “Chaos.Fire.Devotion” being a prudent exemplification. For example, the pace changes at 1:30 with a monstrous stop-start riff, as the bass line penetrates through to add additional heft that ultimately makes that passage. The subtle twists on “Lazarus” are snappy, setting up a ritualistic track that’s yet another earworm with miasmic guitars that attach themselves like a facehugger.
“Blood of No-One” leans a hair more towards the urgent, frenetic styling, punching the accelerator to tweak Darvaza’s form to show a differing angle. Unreluctantly, a song that aims straight for the throat and refuses to miss the jugular.
The closing track is simply titled “Darvaza” and it cracks the listener like a swift uppercut to the jaw. Wraath projects a man possessed; the vocal layering of his impenetrable roar and contrasting clean croons beginning at the 4:55 mark is so well-presented that it sounds so simple, where writing of this magnitude is assuredly anything but. The finish of the song, and the album, blisters with contempt and rancor – an energetic flurry that explodes as all of the pent-up loathing and revulsion throughout We are Him is unleashed in the record’s final notes.
If someone asks what current bands to check out if they’re just starting to get the bug for black metal, Darvaza doubtlessly should be close to the top of that list. Their discography thus far is without flaw, their compositions mesmeric and unrelenting, and their spirit unquestionable.
We’ll be the first to admit that after the untamable beast that was Ascending into Perdition, if the band could find a way to maintain that level, they’d remain unstoppable, but the idea of topping it would be difficult. While only time will tell if We Are Him becomes Darvaza’s most celebrated thus far, what we can state without doubt is that this record is at the very least just as tight, and at times further virulent and indelible than anything the band have provided previously.
In the current season of year-end lists, We Are Him is a defining reason as to why you don’t make hasty decisions to ignore what comes out after mid-November, as Darvaza easily must be a contender for accolades in the realm of black metal and the broader genre in general.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Darvaza.blackmetal/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darvaza_bm/
Bandcamp: https://darvazablackmetal.bandcamp.com/music