🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Sulphurean Synods
Track 2: Sublunar Despondency
Track 3: Dead and Distant Clamors
Track 4: Wounds that Heal
Track 5: Starving Crowns
Track 6: Under the Aimless Spheres
Track 7: Embalmer’s Wine
🎸 Album Review:
Merrimack, the French black metal stalwarts, have returned with their highly anticipated fifth studio album, ‘Of Grace And Gravity’. Known for their uncompromising approach to the genre, Merrimack have once again delivered a dark and intense offering that showcases their distinctive sound and thematic depth.
The album kicks off with “Sulphurean Synods”, a track that immediately sets the tone for what’s to come – a relentless onslaught of blistering riffs, thunderous drums, and venomous vocals. The production is raw and unpolished, adding to the overall atmosphere of darkness and despair that permeates the album. Lyrically, Merrimack delve into themes of spiritual decay, existential angst, and the futility of human existence, creating a sense of unease and dread that lingers throughout the record.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Wounds that Heal”, a mid-tempo behemoth that showcases Merrimack’s ability to create tension and atmosphere without sacrificing their trademark aggression. The track builds slowly, layering dissonant melodies and haunting chants before erupting into a furious crescendo of blast beats and savage vocals. The interplay between the guitars and drums is particularly impressive here, creating a sense of chaos and catharsis that is both exhilarating and harrowing.
Another highlight is “Starving Crowns”, a track that sees Merrimack incorporating elements of melody and dynamics into their sound. The song opens with a haunting clean guitar passage before descending into a maelstrom of blackened fury. The contrast between the more melodic sections and the brutal onslaught of the main riff adds depth and complexity to the track, showcasing Merrimack’s versatility and songwriting prowess.
In comparison to their previous albums, ‘Of Grace And Gravity’ sees Merrimack further refining and expanding upon their signature sound. While their earlier releases were characterized by a more straightforward and aggressive approach, this album sees the band incorporating more atmosphere and texture into their music. The production is also more polished and nuanced, allowing each instrument to shine while still retaining the rawness and intensity that defines black metal.
Overall, ‘Of Grace And Gravity’ is a tour de force of black metal mastery. Merrimack have crafted an album that is both brutal and beautiful, unrelenting in its ferocity yet rich in melody and atmosphere. The band’s musicianship is top-notch, with each member delivering a performance that is both technically proficient and emotionally resonant. The album’s thematic depth and lyrical complexity add another layer of intrigue, inviting the listener to delve deeper into the darkness that lies at the heart of Merrimack’s music.
In conclusion, ‘Of Grace And Gravity’ solidifies Merrimack’s position as one of the leading forces in contemporary black metal. With this album, the band has pushed their sound to new heights, creating a work of art that is both challenging and rewarding. Fans of the genre will find much to love here, while newcomers will be drawn in by the sheer power and intensity of Merrimack’s music. ‘Of Grace And Gravity’ is a triumph of darkness and despair, a testament to the enduring power of black metal in all its grim glory.