AN NCS PREMIERE: BRZASK — “DER WANDERER IM RIESENGEBIRGE”

 Premieres  No Responses »
Apr 182025
 

(written by Islander)

For reasons you will soon understand, we have learned today about the Karkonosze mountains, often called “The Giant Mountains” in English literature at least since the early 1700s. We’ve learned that it is a mountain range located in the north of the Czech Republic and the southwest of Poland, part of the Sudetes mountain system, and home to the source waters of the Elbe River.

We’ve also learned that the Karkonosze region is one steeped in dark tales and ancient traditions, haunted and harrowed by mountain spirits. And most relevant to what we’re up to today, we’ve learned that the landscapes and legends of this area provided the inspiration for the debut album of the Polish black metal band Brzask, which is set for release on May 2nd by Vendetta Records. The album’s name is Der Wanderer im Riesengebirge, and it’s the album’s fascinating and highly infectious title song we’re bringing you now. Continue reading »

SHORT BUT SWEET (PART 2): TRUUS, BRZASK, LEECHES, OMNIVOID

 Album Reviews, SHORT BUT SWEET  3 Responses »
Jun 062020
 

 

This concludes a post I began here two days ago devoted mainly to new EPs I’ve been enjoying lately. This one is devoted to shades of black metal, and includes four debut releases.

TRUUS

I’ll begin with Dawn of Perdition, a stunning four-track assault by the band Truus from Bloomington, Indiana.

There’s a raw, scorching abrasion in the riffs, matched by the incendiary madness of the vocals, and a powerful low-end thrust coupled with dynamic, skull-busting drumwork. Opener “Fourth Seal” incorporates sensations of imperious power and wild writhing and wailing derangement, while the moaning and braying chords and flickering leads of the title track create an atmosphere that’s more ominous. Both tracks are tremendously intense, and manage to spawn visions of terrifying grandeur as well as spine-tingling violence. Continue reading »