🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: The Amber Glow of the Gaslight
Track 2: In the Shallows of a Starlit Lake
Track 3: Phosphorescent Sunrise
Track 4: Pale Lechery
Track 5: At the Mercy of the Shrike
Track 6: Six Verses
Track 7: To Breathe In Leviathan
🎸 Album Review:
Australian blackened death metal band Vahrzaw returns with their latest offering, ‘in the shallows of a starlit lake’, a seven-track journey through haunting atmospheres and blistering aggression. Known for their uncompromising sound and dark lyrical themes, Vahrzaw continues to push boundaries with this release, showcasing a blend of ferocity and atmosphere that sets them apart in the metal scene.
From the opening track, “The Amber Glow of the Gaslight,” listeners are immediately drawn into Vahrzaw’s world of darkness and despair. The churning riffs and relentless drumming create a sense of urgency, setting the stage for what is to come. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend elements of black metal and death metal is on full display here, with vocalist Astaroth’s guttural growls cutting through the dense wall of sound.
The title track, “In the Shallows of a Starlit Lake,” is a standout moment on the album, showcasing Vahrzaw’s knack for crafting epic, atmospheric compositions. The haunting melodies and intricate guitar work create a sense of unease, drawing the listener deeper into the murky waters of the lake. The track builds to a crescendo of blast beats and frenzied riffing, culminating in a cathartic release of energy.
“Phosphorescent Sunrise” offers a brief respite from the darkness, with its shimmering guitars and ethereal atmosphere evoking images of a new dawn breaking. This instrumental track serves as a moment of reflection before the onslaught of “Pale Lechery” brings the listener back into the depths of Vahrzaw’s sonic abyss. The track’s relentless pace and relentless aggression showcase the band at the height of their powers, delivering a punishing assault on the senses.
“At the Mercy of the Shrike” sees Vahrzaw exploring more melodic territory, with its haunting melodies and dynamic shifts adding depth to the album’s sonic palette. The track’s atmospheric passages give way to blistering black metal riffs, creating a sense of tension and release that is both exhilarating and haunting.
“Six Verses” is a masterclass in atmosphere, with its brooding melodies and intricate guitar work creating a sense of foreboding. The track’s haunting vocals and dynamic shifts keep the listener on edge, unsure of what lies around the corner. The album closes with “To Breathe In Leviathan,” a sprawling epic that showcases Vahrzaw’s ability to craft complex, multi-layered compositions that defy easy categorization.
Compared to their previous albums, ‘in the shallows of a starlit lake’ sees Vahrzaw pushing their sound into darker and more atmospheric territory. While their earlier releases were more straightforward in terms of aggression and intensity, this album shows a willingness to explore new sonic landscapes and push the boundaries of their genre. The band’s songwriting has matured, with a greater emphasis on dynamics and atmosphere that adds depth and complexity to their sound.
Overall, ‘in the shallows of a starlit lake’ is a stunning achievement for Vahrzaw, showcasing their evolution as musicians and songwriters. The album’s blend of aggression and atmosphere creates a rich tapestry of sound that is both captivating and unsettling. With this release, Vahrzaw solidifies their place as one of the most innovative and exciting bands in the blackened death metal scene. Fans of extreme metal will find much to love in this dark and twisted journey through the depths of a starlit lake.