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One knows black metal when one hears it, even without a formal definition. Marduk is black metal. Watain is black metal. The sound, aesthetic, and motivation are all there.
With many newer black metal bands, however, the commitment is less complete. I’m not talking about bands like Ludicra or Agalloch, who don’t try to be black metal with a capital B and M. I’m talking about bands like Imperium Dekadenz, who got into the game late, and though they have black metal trappings (spidery logo, two-tone artwork, corpsepaint in their early days), just don’t have that “know it when you hear it” force. Black metal bands shouldn’t burn down churches, but they should sound like they do.
On their first two records, Imperium Dekadenz sounded like they slogged through Darkthrone and Burzum covers at practice, but were more much excited to play Chopin and Segovia études afterwards. Serious piano and acoustic guitar chops graced interludes between by-the-numbers black metal. The juxtaposition was interesting but jarring.
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On Procella Vadens
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Ironically, the black metal parts have also firmed up. The production, while not slick, is clean, which allows the acoustic instruments to shine. The performances are tight and assured, yielding a heaviness the band lacked before. Much of the material is an elegiac trudge that suggests Burzum after years of study. It’s an advancement all around, and a welcome one.
Well I haven’t heard this record but if it’s a comment of any interest, this song, both the metal and acoustic parts are harmonically and melodically simpler and less adventurous that what Burzum were attempting as early as in their debut.
I do not say this to insult Imperium Dekadenz (what a name) or to suggest that more advanced compositional skills make for better music at all. Some aspects of this song are actually quite beautiful in their ‘white keys’ simplicity. Just mentioning this because of the quote “[...] suggests Burzum after years of study. It’s an advancement all around”. Play the riffs of this song on the piano perhaps and the absolute simplicity of the material will become apparent.
One of my favorite metal albums this year so far, and the cover looks great too.
Simplicity in music does not make it bad. Bad music usually occurs when people go out of their way to avoid simplicity.
I’ll listen to the song you posted during the day, but it’s the amazing cover and the accurate analysis what will make me listen to this
The cover picture would be much more effective without the band logo
Wow! The track you’re streaming (“An Autumn Serenade”) is wonderful, and your description of the music nails it. Definitely have to get the album and dive all the way in.
Helm – Advancements can be simple.
Nekromantis – That’s usually the case.
This is working pretty well. I don’t really find the metal parts are terribly effective, though; I wish there was more fire and fury than the relaxed progression they seem content to follow.
It is well constructed, though, and reminds me of Agalloch’s The Mantle, which is a very fine thing to do!
This is indeed a great album. One of my favorites of the year so far
Listening to it now, after Cosmo sent me the CD as a prize for the funny caption contest. I have to say that I like it. It isn’t anything that I haven’t heard before (i.e. folky, atmospheric BM), nor is Imperium Dekadenz the best at what they do. They are, however, very competent and, when I am in the right mood, an excellent substitution for a Drudkh or Burzum album that I have listened to countless times.