One of Nine emerges from the shadows with their debut album, “Eternal Sorcery,” offering a potent blend of classic black metal elements and a modern production sheen. This review explores the strengths and weaknesses of this promising first outing from the mysterious American act.
A Love Letter to the Second Wave:
“Eternal Sorcery” is a clear homage to the second wave of black metal. The album draws heavily from the likes of Satyricon, Emperor, and Abigor, with its tremolo-picked riffs, blast beats, and shrieking vocals. One of Nine captures the raw energy and atmosphere that defined the genre in the early 1990s, transporting listeners back to a time of frozen landscapes and satanic anthems.
Melody Amidst the Mayhem:
While firmly rooted in black metal’s lo-fi tradition, “Eternal Sorcery” isn’t without its melodic moments. The guitars weave in and out of tremolo picking, occasionally venturing into cleaner sections that add a melancholic beauty to the sonic assault. Tracks like “The Silence of Heaven” showcase a willingness to incorporate melody without sacrificing the album’s overall aggression.
A Focus on Atmosphere Over Breakneck Speed:
One aspect that sets One of Nine apart from some of their black metal predecessors is their emphasis on atmosphere over breakneck speed. While blast beats are present, the band utilizes slower tempos and mid-paced sections to create a sense of dread and foreboding. This approach adds depth and nuance to the music, preventing it from becoming a monotonous blur of distortion.
Production Enhances the Listening Experience:
Unlike many classic black metal albums, “Eternal Sorcery” benefits from a clean and modern production. The instruments are clear and defined, allowing the listener to appreciate the intricacies of the music. This polished production might alienate some purists who prefer the raw and lo-fi aesthetic of traditional black metal, but it ensures the album translates effectively to a modern audience.
Potential for Future Growth:
While “Eternal Sorcery” is a promising debut, there’s room for growth. The songwriting, while competent, could benefit from more variation and memorable hooks. Additionally, the band’s lyrical themes, which delve into familiar territory of blasphemy and medieval darkness, could be explored with more depth and originality.
A Debut Worth Checking Out for Black Metal Enthusiasts:
Despite these minor criticisms, “Eternal Sorcery” is a solid debut from One of Nine. The album is a well-executed homage to classic black metal, offering a potent blend of atmosphere, aggression, and melody. Fans of the genre will find much to enjoy here, and “Eternal Sorcery” serves as a promising glimpse into the band’s potential. One of Nine is a band to watch, and it will be interesting to see how they evolve their sound in future releases.
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