Artist: REV 16:8
Title: Ashlands
Genre: Black Metal
Release Date: 8th April 2011
Label: AFM Records
Album Review
The Swedish band REV 16:8 was already formed in 1997, back then under the name BLOODSHED. They changed to their current name in 2008 and have just put out their second full-length record. The opener ‘Agenda’ points out the direction the album is going to take - modern Black Metal, combined with traditional and brutal elements. After a slower beginning, the band continues in a pretty fast manner, providing a mixture of harsh and softer vocals along with extensive drums and dissonant harmonics. The title track ‘Ashlands’ starts off in a rather chaotic way and veers towards a more atmospheric and calmer interlude. Yet, towards the end of the song, speed is gained up again and the band truly manages to create an evil feeling. ‘Blackline Sundown’ is a very remarkable song - darkness and despair are set into music quite fittingly, fast elements are accompanied by slow, almost depressed vocal phrases.
The following interlude ‘A Study of Patterns and Habits’ enforces the bleak and glooming mood, whilst ‘The Chase’ provides a smooth transition towards a heavy mid-tempo track. ‘Serenade’ commences with a unusual melodic phrase, including some sorts of flutes, and then continues in a typical Black Metal manner. ‘Rust Retinal Vein’ appears to be the longest track of ‘Ashlands’ and furthermore one of the fastest, although some progressive elements can be heard as well. ‘Coal Mirror’ contains a more depressive approach and intensifies the general sentiment - cheerless and frowning. ‘When Your Words Are Obsolete’ gains up speed but also combines the before-mentioned trademarks, intense vocals and a diversified musical composition. The outro ‘Leave Me’ provides dark and impressive final notes.
In general, it can be said that REV 16:8 created a very varied and interesting piece of Black Metal. No song is like the other, and yet it all creates a very felicitous and innovative overall picture.
Tracklist
01. Agenda
02. Ashlands
03. Blackline Sundown
04. A Study of Patterns and Habits
05. The Chase
06. Serenade
07.Rust Retinal Vein
08. Coal Mirror
09. When Your Words Are Obsolete
10. Leave Me
Line-up
Talon – Vocals
Nefastus – Guitars
Pata – Drums
Website
http://www.myspace.com/rev168
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 9 / 10
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