Underground black metal warrior Malacath returns with their third compilation compromising of previously released singles and a few original tracks. This collection is a monument to traditional black metal done in the style of the Nordic second wave. There’s a burning passion for true black metal behind this project and it’s very apparent in the music.
When looking back on the history of black metal, there was always one running theme that never shook from the genre and has only become even more apparent in the modern age. That’s the accessibility of recording and releasing an album, and then being accepted within the community for it. In the 80s and 90s, there was still that barrier of needing the proper recording equipment the space to do it, and the technical know how of putting it all together. That’s why back then, having a one man act was typically a badge of honor and seen as impressive. Today, anyone with a guitar and a laptop can write, record, and produce a whole album from the comfort of their own bedroom. I believe this has led to a disconnect between the artist and the music, and leads to a lack of authenticity that is noticeable when listening.
While Malacath is a man of the modern age, he certainly doesn’t lack that authenticity. His approach to the song writing is very traditionalist, even though he is using all of the modern tools to his disposal. He injects all of his passion and emotion into the music elevating the atmosphere and the raw organic nature of the sound. His riffs are simple yet infectious, the vocals are putrid and harsh, and the drumming while it is of modern digital origin, it suffices and helps push the music along as it’s supposed to. This compilation is very simple, straight forward and to the point. It’s exactly how black metal is supposed to be fundamentally.
I found myself really enjoying this release and it sort of helped remind me self why I got into the genre in the first place. It’s raw simplicity and outsider passion has always made black metal such a unique genre, and Malacath’s compilation is an ode to that. A true fan of black metal I think would appreciate this release and find it a good listen.