🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Of Furor and Ecstasy
Track 2: Aratron
Track 3: Walls Come Closer
Track 4: A Thousand and More
Track 5: Akasha
Track 6: On Pyre
🎸 Album Review:
German black metal band Morast returns with their third full-length album, “Fentanyl,” a haunting and intense journey through darkness and despair. Released on a prominent underground metal label, this album showcases the band’s evolution and maturity in their sound and thematic exploration. With a tracklist that includes six powerful and atmospheric compositions, Morast delves deep into the realms of atmospheric black metal, doom, and post-metal to deliver a raw and emotive listening experience.
“Of Furor and Ecstasy” opens the album with a ferocious blast of tremolo-picked guitars, thunderous drums, and guttural vocals that set the tone for what is to come. The track builds in intensity, weaving intricate melodies with crushing riffs, creating a sense of urgency and unease. The themes of inner turmoil and inner conflict are prevalent throughout the album, with lyrics that touch upon existential dread, emotional anguish, and the search for meaning in a world filled with suffering.
“Aratron” follows with its hypnotic guitar melodies and relentless drumming, creating a sense of foreboding and despair. The track showcases Morast’s ability to create atmosphere and tension, drawing the listener into a dark and oppressive sonic landscape. The haunting clean vocals that appear midway through the track add another layer of emotional depth, contrasting with the harshness of the black metal elements.
“Walls Come Closer” is a standout track that highlights Morast’s versatility and songwriting prowess. The slow, sludgy riffs and mournful melodies create a sense of crushing weight and suffocation, evoking a feeling of being trapped and powerless. The track’s crescendo towards the end is particularly powerful, with layers of guitars and vocals building to a cathartic climax that leaves a lasting impact.
“A Thousand and More” offers a brief respite from the intensity of the previous tracks, with its somber acoustic guitar intro and melancholic atmosphere. The track gradually builds in heaviness and complexity, culminating in a whirlwind of blast beats and furious riffing that showcases Morast’s dynamic range and ability to create tension and release.
“Akasha” is a sprawling epic that clocks in at over ten minutes, taking the listener on a journey through shifting moods and textures. The track transitions seamlessly between melodic passages and crushing heaviness, creating a sense of ebb and flow that keeps the listener engaged throughout. The atmospheric interludes and ethereal clean vocals add a sense of mystique and otherworldly beauty to the track, enhancing its emotional impact.
The album concludes with “On Pyre,” a slow-burning and atmospheric track that serves as a fitting closer to the journey that Morast has taken the listener on. The mournful melodies and haunting vocals create a sense of finality and resignation, leaving the listener with a sense of catharsis and release.
In comparison to Morast’s previous albums, “Fentanyl” represents a significant step forward in terms of songwriting, production, and overall cohesion. While their earlier works showcased their raw energy and aggression, this album demonstrates a more mature and nuanced approach to their craft. The band’s ability to weave together elements of black metal, doom, and post-metal into a cohesive whole is truly impressive, creating a sound that is uniquely their own.
Overall, “Fentanyl” is a powerful and evocative album that showcases Morast’s growth and evolution as a band. With its dense atmosphere, intricate song structures, and emotional depth, this album is a testament to the band’s artistic vision and uncompromising spirit. Fans of atmospheric black metal and dark, introspective music will find much to appreciate in Morast’s latest offering. “Fentanyl” is a journey into the depths of the human psyche, a sonic exploration of pain, suffering, and ultimately, redemption.