Inescapable, omnipresent, ubiquitous death manifests itself in many ways. The subject of innumerable stories and Dark Funeral’s morbid guiding light. Using death as a figurehead the band begin their latest foray into the underworld as we enter a land where light is a distant memory, where cold governs all, a land Where Shadows Forever Reign.
[tracklist]
- Unchain My Soul
- As One We Shall Conquer
- Beast Above Man
- As I Ascend
- Temple of Ahriman
- The Eternal Eclipse
- To Carve Another Wound
- Nail Them To The Cross
- Where Shadows Forever Reign
[/tracklist][details]
[length]46:00[/length]
[record_label]Century Media[/record_label]
[release_date]June 3rd 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
Consisting of nine tracks Where Shadows Forever Reign immediately conjures an air malevolence. As the maudlin lines of “Unchain My Soul” begin we’re thrust into the abyssal world where simultaneously jarring yet melodic lead lines give the song a fantastic structure amidst the maelstrom of drums coming from the blistering Dominator keeping the relentless pace topped up right until the songs blistering finale. “Temple of Ahriman” brings foreboding lead line back to the fore in a fluid introduction who’s verse flows dutifully through into the brilliant chorus.
Newly recruited vocalist Heljamadr delivers on all levels, the foreboding tones of “To Carve Another Wound” brings lethargy to the forefront as the drums regiment a mid pace tempo. Seeing Heljamadr take centre stage spitting vehement lyrics with enunciation which rather than detracting from their impact give a possibility for understanding. Bleak in its portrayal our sonic landscape here is barren giving the likes of “The Eternal Eclipse” a particularly caustic backdrop working in tandem with the melodic overtones from Lord Ahriman from subtle dynamics of guitars dropping out giving the track a different palette.
Dripping with atmosphere the dour introduction of “As I Ascend” evokes images of woebegone lands. However it is setpiece title track that truly brings the disconsolate walls down. Portraying exactly where Dark Funeral stand “Where Shadows Forever Reign” describes our portentous characters descent into the realm of hell. Creating the perfect equilibrium of raucous rhythmic tonalities accompanying the beautifully despondent melodies making for a fantastically poignant close. Absent in the Black Metal scene for several years the band have returned with a revitalised sound and a renewed sense of purpose leading for Where Shadows Forever Reign to be absolutely world class.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Reclaiming the Black Metal crown, Dark Funeral return with a nefarious new oeuvre. One that oozes atmosphere which coupled with the band’s brilliant songwriting ability makes for an essential Black Metal addition.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can preorder the brand new album here!
