🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Vire’s Arc
Track 2: In Halfsight, the Dustplanes
Track 3: The Untwined One
Track 4: Watcher Over His Own
Track 5: …And the Mason Wept
Track 6: Wanthriven
Track 7: In Gloom’s Gorge
Track 8: The Greyleer
🎸 Album Review:
**Album Review: “The Skorian // The Greyleer” by Mefitis**
Mefitis, the California-based black metal outfit, has returned with their sophomore album, “The Skorian // The Greyleer,” a haunting and intricate journey through dark atmospheres and complex compositions. Released on March 24, 2021, this album showcases the band’s evolution and mastery of their craft, delving deeper into themes of existential dread, ancient folklore, and the human experience.
**Sound and Themes:**
From the opening track, “Vire’s Arc,” Mefitis sets the tone for the album with a blend of atmospheric black metal, progressive elements, and intricate guitar work. The soundscapes created by the band are both mesmerizing and unsettling, drawing the listener into a world shrouded in mystery and despair. The production on the album is top-notch, allowing every instrument to shine while maintaining a raw and organic feel that is essential to black metal.
Thematically, “The Skorian // The Greyleer” explores the duality of existence, the passage of time, and the inevitable decay of all things. The lyrics delve into ancient myths and legends, painting a vivid picture of a world on the brink of collapse. There is a sense of unease and foreboding that permeates the album, creating an immersive listening experience that is both introspective and cathartic.
**Standout Tracks:**
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Watcher Over His Own,” a sprawling epic that showcases Mefitis’ ability to create dynamic and complex compositions. The track features intricate guitar melodies, pummeling drums, and haunting vocals that weave together to create a sense of tension and release. The atmospheric passages in the song are particularly effective, drawing the listener deeper into the band’s dark and twisted world.
Another highlight is the closing track, “The Greyleer,” a monumental piece that serves as the culmination of the album’s themes and ideas. The song builds slowly, layering upon itself until it reaches a climax of sheer intensity and emotion. The combination of blast beats, dissonant chords, and ethereal clean vocals creates a sense of catharsis that is both overwhelming and beautiful.
**Comparison to Previous Albums:**
“The Skorian // The Greyleer” represents a significant step forward for Mefitis, building upon the foundation laid by their debut album, “Emberdawn.” While their first album was already a strong statement of intent, the band has refined and expanded their sound on this latest release. The songwriting is more intricate, the performances more nuanced, and the production more polished, resulting in a more cohesive and immersive listening experience.
The band’s evolution is evident in tracks like “In Halfsight, the Dustplanes” and “…And the Mason Wept,” where Mefitis explores new sonic territories and pushes the boundaries of their genre. The incorporation of clean vocals, acoustic interludes, and progressive song structures shows a willingness to experiment and innovate, setting them apart from their peers in the black metal scene.
**Overall Impact:**
“The Skorian // The Greyleer” is a masterful work of art that solidifies Mefitis’ place as one of the most exciting and innovative bands in the contemporary black metal scene. The album is a tour de force of creativity and emotion, drawing the listener into a world of darkness and beauty that is both terrifying and mesmerizing. With its intricate compositions, atmospheric soundscapes, and profound lyrics, this album is a must-listen for fans of black metal and experimental music alike.
In conclusion, Mefitis has crafted a stunning and immersive listening experience with “The Skorian // The Greyleer,” an album that showcases their growth and ambition as artists. With its haunting melodies, complex arrangements, and thought-provoking themes, this album is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect with the deepest parts of our souls. Mefitis has truly outdone themselves with this release, and I can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them next.