🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: On the Wings of Despair and Burning Enmity
Track 2: Extinct Candles of Dead Cities
Track 3: Beyond the Darkness
Track 4: Another Year
Track 5: Perseverance Is the Essence (Forever 25)
Track 6: Zmiyevi valy
Track 7: Freezing Touch of Siren
Track 8: Gods Are Watching
🎸 Album Review:
Ukrainian black metal band Khors has returned with their latest offering, ‘Letters To The Future Self’, a captivating and atmospheric journey through darkness and introspection. Released in 2021, this album showcases the band’s evolution and growth while staying true to their roots. With a tracklist that promises a deep dive into themes of despair, perseverance, and mythical elements, ‘Letters To The Future Self’ is a haunting and mesmerizing listening experience.
Khors’ sound on this album can be described as a blend of melodic black metal with folk and atmospheric elements. The production is crisp and clear, allowing each instrument to shine while creating a dense and immersive sonic landscape. The band’s signature tremolo-picked guitars, thunderous drums, and haunting synths are all present, creating a sense of urgency and melancholy throughout the album.
The themes explored in ‘Letters To The Future Self’ are deeply introspective and introspective, delving into feelings of despair, loss, and longing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world in turmoil, where darkness reigns and hope seems fleeting. Despite the bleakness of the subject matter, there is a sense of resilience and determination that runs through the album, culminating in a message of perseverance and strength in the face of adversity.
Standout tracks on the album include “Extinct Candles of Dead Cities”, a powerful and dynamic song that showcases Khors’ ability to seamlessly blend aggression with melody. The track opens with a driving guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the song, which builds to a climax with sweeping synths and blistering drums. The haunting vocals add an extra layer of intensity, making this track a standout moment on the album.
“Zmiyevi valy” is another standout track that highlights Khors’ ability to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. The song opens with a haunting synth melody that sets a melancholic tone, which is further enhanced by the ethereal vocals and intricate guitar work. The dynamic shifts in tempo and mood keep the listener engaged throughout, making this track a standout moment on the album.
In comparison to Khors’ previous albums, ‘Letters To The Future Self’ shows a clear progression in terms of songwriting and production. The band has honed their craft and refined their sound, creating a more cohesive and immersive listening experience. While their earlier works were more raw and aggressive, this album sees Khors embracing a more melodic and atmospheric approach, adding layers of depth and complexity to their music.
Overall, ‘Letters To The Future Self’ is a powerful and evocative album that showcases Khors at the height of their creative powers. The band’s ability to blend aggression with melody, darkness with light, and despair with hope is truly impressive, creating a listening experience that is both immersive and cathartic. From the haunting opening track to the epic closer, ‘Letters To The Future Self’ takes the listener on a journey through the depths of the human experience, leaving a lasting impact long after the music fades away.