Misery is often a hard emotion to convey in the form of music. An abstract idea to mirror such an emotionally charged subject matter can often lead to backfiring ideas. However approached in the right way misery can ooze class, hailing from Iceland Zhrine begin their ascent on a major label with the debut Unortheta.

[tracklist]

1. Utopian Warfare
2. Spewing Gloom
3. The Syringe Dance
4. World
5. Empire
6. The Earth Inhaled
7. Unortheta
   [/tracklist][details]
   [length]40:00[/length]
   [record_label]Season Of Mist[/record_label]
   [release_date]April 8th 2016[/release_date]
   [/details]Meticulous in its creation each aspect of Unortheta has been painstakingly looked over. The moment the portcullis of “Utopian Warfare” is opened the wolf is very much loose. Beginning with ambient clean sections before a relative crack in the earth’s core leads to truly fantastic Black Metal. Flirting with other genres the band deliver frost bitten riffs whilst also appealing to the more extreme spectrum with the likes of “The Syringe Dance” sitting firmly in the Death Metal category. Compelling rhythms that not only stand their ground but appeal in their cacophony, less of a gloosy finish and more of an ambient feel the bands caustic particularly in the songs later section.All the while not entering the state of pretentious, lofty sounds of drone.

   Though just as the band can amaze with bombast just as much do they rely on subtlety, the likes of final track “Unortheta” the shortest of the mix acting as more of a post script instrumental. Yet what Zhrine are brilliant at are escaping boredom, often tracks seem to drag particularly when the aim is to be as disqueitening as possible yet with Unortheta the band have crafted tracks that are simultaneously ambient whilst also being able to walk the walk. Song writing aspects of the album “Spewing Gloom” works as a brilliant one two punch with fluid execution yet the otherwordly sounds of the ironically titled “World” make for a point of difference.

   Paramount in their accessibility the band might shed some light on their influences yet instead of being a copycat create a signature sound. Learning from their heroes to become something rather than simply emulating. Owing to the record slightly muddy production there could have been some sections that would warrant slight clarity but overall the sound fits the temperament of the record perfectly. If you’re seeking the abyssal darkness look no further than Zhrine. Crafting interesting somehow catchy tracks with an understanding of a sense of identity Zhrine are well on their way to making a real name for themselves.

   [verdict]Yes[/verdict]
   [why]Understanding the subtle nuances in creating atmosphere Zhrine have delivered an album as oozes malice. Wearing their heart on their sleeve others would do well to listen to Unortheta. A fantastic debut.[/why]

   If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up the album here!