The US Black metal undergound scene has always been a point of contention for many denizens of the scene. Some who claim that the majority to come out of the US is typically trash, not well done, and a shameful copy of their European counter-parts. Personally, I think the US scene is probably the strongest and biggest scene with an incredibly diverse sound that one can spend years and years digging through and not find 2 bands that sound a like. Bands like Von, Havohej, Dawnbringer, even more classical black metal like Judas Iscariot, have proven time and time again just how powerful and unique the US scene can be. So, when looking at an unlikely town like Flint, Michigan, who’s past has been all over the news for its deep level of pollution and corruption, its to of no surprise to find a band like Baazlvaat creating a colorful yet intensely gothic sound that sets themselves apart from the rest of the scene.
The album starts with mournful guitars and that are accompanied with pianos that weave together these gothically classical melodies and traditional heavy metal and hard rock riffage that is infectiously catchy. These melodies will be stuck in your head long after the record stops turning. The drumming is stiff and feels digital, but it fits just perfectly for this album. Creating this industrial sound that reflects their hometown. The heavy use of synths and piano is all through out this album, acting as a strong support for the guitars that really drive in that melodic sound. Towards the end of the second track, The Dark Matter Stargate, there’s this synthesizer break down that reminds me of something lifted straight from A Clockwork Orange’s soundtrack. Its really unique and incredibly addicting to listen to. I came back to this record again and again, finding my self spinning this record for almost a week straight.
There is one gripe I have with this album and its mainly the vocals. While, its delivered well and creates this feral and twisted atmosphere, it feels extremely out of place given the approach to the instrumentation. It feels more in line of raw and cold black metal. I wasn’t expecting such visceral vocals on a refined album like this. While I was expecting something harsh and heavy that’d be fitting for the more experimental sound, I wasn’t expected to hear such harsh vocals. At some points it fits, giving this ‘vampyric’ sound that so many rave about in the scene, like the second to last track, Vagrant, the vocals there harmonize very well with the gothic hard-rock sound and creates a deeper sense of atmosphere. But I am glad the vocals are minimal and are mixed in a way that they sorta blend in with the guitars and are sorta lost within the wall of sound. I can see others really enjoying the vocals on the other hand, though. Just not for me.
With nearly five years under their belt and a collection of full length releases, Baazlvaat, with this release, have made a deeper impact on the underground scene and have made waves across the global underground. With their unique hard-rock/black metal fusion and deep colorful creativity, its of no wonder that this album would be considered a modern day classic in many eyes. It was one of my favorite releases of 2024, and something I know I’ll be coming back to again and again. A must listen from me for any fan of metal in general.