🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: L’alliance des rats
Track 2: Entwined Conondrum
Track 3: Diapsalmata
Track 4: Éros N
Track 5: The Renouncer
🎸 Album Review:
French black metal band Decline Of The I has returned with their fourth studio album, “Wilhelm,” a haunting and complex exploration of existential themes set against a backdrop of atmospheric black metal. Released on September 26, 2019, “Wilhelm” comprises five tracks that delve deep into the dark recesses of the human psyche, offering a sonic journey that is both challenging and rewarding for the listener.
The album opens with “L’alliance des rats,” a track that sets the tone for the entire record with its brooding atmosphere and intense, dissonant guitar work. The haunting melodies and aggressive vocals create a sense of unease that lingers throughout the album. The production on “Wilhelm” is top-notch, with every instrument given room to breathe and shine, allowing the intricate layers of sound to fully envelop the listener.
“Entwined Conondrum” follows, showcasing Decline Of The I’s ability to seamlessly blend elements of black metal with avant-garde and post-metal influences. The track ebbs and flows, shifting from chaotic blast beats to moments of eerie calm, creating a sense of tension and release that is both exhilarating and unsettling. The guitar work on this track is particularly impressive, with intricate riffs and haunting melodies that weave in and out of the mix.
“Diapsalmata” is a standout track on the album, with its hypnotic rhythms and eerie atmospherics drawing the listener in from the very first note. The track builds slowly, layering intricate guitar lines over a pulsating drum beat, before erupting into a cacophony of sound that is both beautiful and terrifying. The vocals on this track are especially powerful, with frontman A.K. delivering a haunting performance that perfectly complements the dark and brooding atmosphere of the music.
“Éros N” continues the journey into the depths of the human psyche, with its swirling guitars and pummeling drums creating a sense of chaos and despair. The track is a masterclass in tension and release, with moments of quiet introspection giving way to explosive bursts of energy. The lyrics delve into themes of love and loss, adding an emotional depth to the music that is both poignant and haunting.
The album closes with “The Renouncer,” a sprawling epic that brings together all the elements that make “Wilhelm” such a powerful and compelling listen. The track moves through multiple movements, shifting from blistering black metal to moments of introspective beauty, creating a sense of narrative and progression that ties the album together as a cohesive whole. The closing moments of the track are particularly haunting, with a sense of finality and resolution that leaves a lasting impact on the listener.
In comparison to Decline Of The I’s previous albums, “Wilhelm” represents a significant evolution in their sound and songwriting. While their earlier releases were more straightforward in their approach to black metal, “Wilhelm” sees the band pushing the boundaries of the genre and experimenting with new textures and dynamics. The result is an album that is both challenging and rewarding, showcasing the band’s growth and maturity as musicians.
Overall, “Wilhelm” is a masterful work of atmospheric black metal that is sure to captivate listeners with its haunting melodies, intricate arrangements, and thought-provoking themes. Decline Of The I has crafted a truly immersive listening experience that demands repeat listens to fully unravel its depths. “Wilhelm” is a testament to the power of music to evoke emotion and provoke introspection, and cements Decline Of The I’s place as one of the most innovative and compelling bands in the black metal scene today.