Uzlaga – The Might of the Waves

This is the debut release from Bristol based black metal act Uzlaga titled The Might of the Waves. This is an uncompromising, fuzzy, and furious release. A combination of crushing riffs, harsh drums, and dissonant vocals make for a high impact release. They certainly went for a much more raw approach when compared to their previous two EPs, but, this album is a true showing of their skill. A devastatingly heavy album with hints of atmosphere as well to make things all the more ethereal.

I can’t emphasis enough just how heavy this album feels. The guitars are truly dissonant with incredibly mind bending riffs that drag you under the waves. The vocals and drums just add onto how furious and heavy it all feels. With the vocals obscured by heavy distortion and the drums having both an artificial yet naturalistically barbaric approach that makes it all incredibly addicting to hear. This band really captures the might and unforgiving dark nature the waves hold, leaving no one to its mercy. There are a few moments of atmospheric respite to close out and introduce a few different tracks. But for the most part, its an onslaught of high energy and repetitive riffs that make for a very memorable release.

This album I feel is a great step forward for the band when compared to their previous two EP releases. The song writing feels tighter and the production has a raw yet crisp sound to yet, while the previous two almost felt ‘cleaner’ in a way. There’s a lot to take in with this album, as it is rather dense. Each listen uncovers other details that were obscured in the waves on previous listens, but again and again you come back to find something more and something new to appreciate which is saying something for an album on the surface level is rather stripped back for the most part. The last outro track on the album Sun Breaking Through Clouds Above the Sea captures the imagery of a raging storm while lost at sea and it coming to a close perfectly. The rest of the album follows such a typhoon from the start, and it coming to such a satisfying finish is an incredibly nice touch.

This album nailed the mixed feelings of summer rather well, and I found it perfect for this time of the year. Certainly album of the summer for me and maybe even on the list for album of the year. But this is a must listen for every black metal fan out there. Feel the might of the waves your self.