Entry 268 - Vukari - Aevum

 

I picked this up from a local shop a few days ago, never heard of Vakari before this. The album cover stood out and there was a nice big sticker that said "atmospheric black metal" that plus a very modest price tag made this a blind buy.

Atmospheric black metal is indeed what this band is all about, and they do it almost completely without keyboards. The band specializes in reverb laden guitar riffs that border on dissonance but never quite get there. It's a cool effect that's utilized in many different ways over the playtime of the album.

Aevum is an album of ebb and flow. There are points where the band is slow and brooding... a lonely melody plays above a full backing of guitars and bass. It's an incredibly full tone that borders on the "wall of sound" style.

The album also has sections where it lets completely loose. It's here where the band will border on death metal intensity, and I love it. Even during these more visceral parts the band maintains a strong sense of atmosphere.

I've spun this thing probably 2-3 times today taking it all in. I love albums like this that I had no idea about before and are a pleasant surprise when you put them on. The sound is so rich and the atmosphere is so thick you need a knife to pierce it. I'm certainly going to be checking this band's back catalogue based on my experience with this one.