Sunday 2 November 2014

Written In Torment - "Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes"

Written In Torment is a one man solo project hailing from picturesque Harrowgate, Yorkshire and is the brainchild of Leviathan.  Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes (latin for "The war of all against all", which coincidentally is the description that is given in the nature thought experiment "Leviathan") is the first full length release after a very successful EP, and it even features guest session keyboardist Jonny Maulding of Bal-Sagoth fame. It was released via Glorious North Productions on 14th May 2013.

Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes main theme is based on warfare (as the explanation of the title suggests). It's hard hitting, spiteful and vindictive black metal with a completely unique sound within the UKBM scene. Instead of repetitive riffs and tinny blast beats that's common in a lot of venomous black metal, there's skilled guitar work, melodic keys and an undertone of classic and decent thrash/death metal. The vocals are less "screechy" and have more depth and clarity, but still stays firmly in the "black metal sound". From start to finish no 2 songs sound alike, and even the album as a whole is hard to compare to other artists work as the sound is rather unique. This album's bedrock is great musicianship which very clearly can be heard throughout each track, from tremolos and hypnotic rhythm guitar to a variant of machine gunfire drums and well choreographed percussion. The bass is very rarely heard in the mix, but every so often it strays from the rythum guitar to follow a very melodic pattern with the vocals. 

The production on this album is fantastic, even though it isn't produced in a fashion that's typical of black metal (I.e gritty DIY sound). It transforms the album further, you can pick apart and properly listen to each track, which is very refreshing to hear. Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes has been in the works for 7 long years, but it's been well worth the wait. I can't really fault the album at all, although I'd recommend the first time listening to it should be in a distraction free environment, so you can really appreciate it from the first instance. 

I recently read that the UKBM scene was full of "bands and projects that release substandard music on underground, inaccessible labels and yet somehow still consider themselves to be black metal gods. This assembly of amateur musicians that support themselves and each other in their pathetic musical ventures has caused most black metal fanatics to cease interest in the UK". Not only does Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes completely obliterate this statement but the previous albums I've reviewed and come into contact with do too.  Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes shows to rest of the world what the UK is made of.


You can still purchase Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes here.

Find out more about Written In Torment via their Facebook page. 

Saturday 1 November 2014

Witchclan - "The Dark Binding"

Witchclan are back with their second album "The Dark Binding" (Elvester Records/Darkness Shade Records) which has been released today (31st October 2014), and it easily tops the previous album "Misanthropist" by miles. I was instantly drawn into this album by the first track, compared to "Misanthropy" the vocals and instruments have more of a natural, raw aggression and in turn it gives the album more of darker, sinister feel.

Something that I picked up whilst listening to "The Dark Binding" (especially on the track "Dawn Of The Serpent Kings") is the use of the keys and samples. Throughout the album they only seem to be used as a secondary instrument, less obvious in this album compared to "Misanthropist", but the times they are used the atmosphere is increased tenfold. 

The whole feel of the album rests solely on the vocals and guitar, which again have drastically improved since the last album (even though I didn't think that was possible, as I rank "Misanthropist" highly in my personal favourites), this time round the drums and bass are much lower in the mix (in the background for those who aren't familiar with the technical side of music) which gives the album a very early 90's demo era feel.

It has to be said that there's a lot going on in this album, and if you're only into "lighter" more mainstream black metal "The Dark Binding" could be very overwhelming on the first listen and the whole point of the album will go right over your head. However,  if you're into demo era Darkthrone/Emperor etc. then this album is perfect for you. "The Dark Binding" is easily my favourite album of the year, and again Witchclan are continuing to prove that the UK still has a very active and amazing black metal scene.



"The Dark Binding" is available in a variety of different formats and packages, including the very limited edition "High Priest" package. 


You can find out more information or order them here.