Ελληνικά
Last Updated on 12:38 AM by Giorgos Tsekas
Genre: Experimental Black Metal/Death Metal
Country: Russia
Label: Aesthetics of Devastation
Year: 2015
Grey Heaven Fall is one of the most sophisticated bands Russia has ever given birth to and simultaneously (however not unjustified) “Black Wisdom” is one of the most well – crafted records released in Experimental Black Metal the past year. “Black Wisdom” is the band’s sophomore release, after the self titled “… Grey Heaven Fall” full length album, released in 2011. As it was only natural and dearly expected, the band has made huge steps forward, ameliorating their game, obviously leading into a more mature and elaborate release.
The record is characterized by a thrilling occult ambience that results into a mysterious / spiritual atmosphere, ready to devour you. There’s a magnificent assemblage of Black Metal, Death Metal and Progressive Metal, with many melodic passages (eg. “Spirit of Oppression”) and epic Bathory-like moments (eg. “To The Doomed Sons of Earth). The tracks are somewhat long in duration, however this doesn’t act as a negative asset, as these ritualistic / atmospheric structures the record is constituted with maintain our interest at high levels. Almost every track develops in a gradual way, meaning that right before the end of each track there’s a huge climax in compositions and emotions. While the music Grey Heaven Fall create is considered chaotic and the emotions that spring from it seem to be darker than Vantablack, the compositions of the record are not extremely complicated or pretentiously perplex. On contraire, the outcome is pure and genuine, showing that the band clearly enjoys what they’re doing. It’s like they’ve written the tracks from the perspective of the listener, trying to transfer into their music what they would like to listen to if they weren’t members of Grey Heaven Fall. This unfeigned excitement is boosted by the use of Russian in the lyrics, a decision that brings a more exotic feeling to the whole effort. At least for me; I’m a sucker for bands of this genre who use their own language to the lyrics. It’s more genuine and makes me feel closer to the band.
“Black Wisdom” is a highly dynamic demonstration of how multiple genres and techniques can be mixed in a homogenous amalgam, without overlapping one another. The songwriting is carefully taken care of, with stunning ups and downs and incorporations of eerie sounds and samples.
“Black Wisdom” would deeply satisfy fans of Deathspell Omega and Inquisition (and obviously similar bands). It should be heard at loud levels, after midnight. Definitely one of the best releases of the past year.
5/6
