Atlanta’s Cloak returns from the shadows with “Black Flame Eternal,” their third full-length album. This offering promises a continuation of their brand of American black metal, characterized by scorching riffs and a rebellious spirit. Does “Black Flame Eternal” maintain the flame or flicker out into obscurity? Let’s delve into the infernal depths, track by track, and see if Cloak delivers a worthy addition to the black metal canon.
A Fiery Baptism in American Black Metal:
- With Fury and Allegiance (4:12): The album opens with a flourish, a rousing instrumental introduction that sets the tone for the sonic assault to come. Blazing guitars establish a sense of urgency, while pounding drums propel the listener forward. The transition into the main riff is seamless, showcasing the band’s tight musicianship. Vocals, courtesy of Morgan Lander, are a venomous rasp, perfectly capturing the genre’s signature aggression. The lyrics likely establish themes of defiance and loyalty, a common thread in black metal.
- Fire (3:58): The album dives headfirst into relentless aggression. Blast beats and tremolo-picked guitars create a whirlwind of sonic fury. Lander’s vocals shift between shrieks and growls, adding a layer of dynamic contrast to the relentless assault. A catchy guitar melody emerges briefly, hinting at the band’s ability to weave melody into the chaos. The lyrics likely explore themes of destruction and liberation, a staple of black metal ideology. This track is a prime example of American black metal’s penchant for incorporating elements of thrash metal for added intensity.
- Heavenless (4:27): A moment of atmospheric exploration arrives. The song features a slower tempo and a more chilling soundscape. Distorted guitars create a sense of dread, while whispered vocals add a touch of unexpected eeriness. The use of keyboards adds a layer of depth to the atmosphere, showcasing Cloak’s willingness to experiment within the boundaries of black metal. The lyrics likely delve into themes of blasphemy and the rejection of established religion.
- Eye of the Abyss (5:12): The album returns to a more traditional black metal approach. The song features a relentless barrage of blast beats and tremolo picking, punctuated by moments of melodic reprieve. The use of tempo changes keeps the listener engaged, while the guitar work is both intricate and memorable. Lander’s vocals maintain their ferocity, perfectly complementing the song’s aggressive nature. The lyrics likely explore themes of existential dread and the contemplation of the vast emptiness of the universe.
- The Holy Dark (4:34): A return to the faster tempos emerges. The song features a galloping drumbeat and a triumphant atmosphere. Clean vocals make a surprise appearance, adding a touch of unexpected beauty to the sonic assault. The lyrics likely explore themes of rebellion against oppression and the embrace of the darkness within.
- Invictus (4:01): The album injects a dose of technicality. The song features impressive guitar work and dynamic drumming, showcasing the band’s instrumental prowess. The unrelenting aggression remains, but moments of groove and melody keep the listener engaged. Lander’s vocals are a highlight, delivering a performance that is both ferocious and surprisingly nuanced. The lyrics likely celebrate themes of perseverance and the indomitable human spirit, even in the face of overwhelming darkness.
- Black Flame Eternal (5:12): The album closes with an epic title track. This sprawling song features a dynamic range, shifting from moments of blast-beat fury to slower, more atmospheric sections. The use of acoustic guitars and melancholic piano melodies adds a touch of emotional depth to the soundscape. Lander delivers a nuanced vocal performance, showcasing both aggression and a sense of melancholic reflection. The lyrics likely explore themes of the cyclical nature of destruction and rebirth, a fitting conclusion to the album’s fiery journey.
Verdict: 4 out of 5
“Black Flame Eternal” is a scorching testament to the vitality of American black metal. Cloak delivers a potent blend of aggression, melody, and atmospheric exploration, showcasing their growth as a band. The songwriting is strong, with each track offering a unique take on the black metal formula. Lander proves herself a formidable vocalist, commanding attention with her venomous rasp and surprising moments of clean singing. The production is clear and powerful, allowing each instrument to shine through the sonic maelstrom.
A minor point to consider: Listeners accustomed to the raw and lo-fi production of European black metal might find “Black Flame Eternal” a bit too polished and modern-sounding. Traditional black metal purists might be hesitant to embrace the album’s occasional flirtations with
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