Many different people have been credited with various forms of the saying those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. No matter to whom we ultimately can attribute that thought, there’s a weight and sobering reality behind it, and the further we move into the future, the less we tend to pay that reality any real mind.

That’s not entirely the emphasis behind the second Modern Rites record “Endless,” but it’s not too far from the mark. This duo that combines multi-instrumentalist/vocalist/visual artist Jonny Warren (of Kuyashii) and guitarist Berg (of Aara) looks back on cycles that tend to repeat throughout history, despite our knowledge of how these things normally conclude, but they also inject a healthy sense of self-discovery into that mix to add something more positive. On this follow-up to 2021 debut “Monuments,” the band uses eight tracks and 41 minutes to expand their black metal palette to more swooshing synths and universal energy to add new colors and waves to a record that has a pretty thought-provoking premises. That all makes sense as these songs can expand your mind and help you dive into these volcanic bursts to consider our own places in history.

“Prelude” opens with chilling keys, a calming and spacey push through the galaxy, a lush statement that glides into the title track that explodes with power and melody. Vicious howls punish as the playing lacerates, soaring and glistening, a gasp of whispers breathing harder. Synth fills the air as the playing unloads, guitars encircling before the strains submit to the void. “Lost Lineage” crushes from the start, thrashy madness is dressed with throaty growls, and the blistering stomps the ground and makes the earth quake. Guitars mangle before the temperature drops, paving the way for a renewed storm front, drilling into your psyche. “Veil of Opulence” is a melodic gush, the playing driving hard as the vocals crush teeth. Thunderous devastation mounts a gutting effort, the elements flood the senses, the drama increases as the drums turn rocks into dust, and a synth glaze drifts into nothing.

“Becoming” splatters with electro beats, punches land and bruise ribs, and the playing challenges your mind and body. The keys turn into a cloud bed as the drums come unglued, fascinating and punishing, the howls slashing flesh as the final moments vibrate.  “For Nothing” completely engulfs, a slaughtering pace chugging and collecting bone shards, the melodies steamrolling over you and leaving your prone body flattened. Guitars bring more energy as coarse growls have their way, icy winds robbing you of warmth. “Autonomy” has a stirring open, the vocals engorging, a punishing pace spattering blood across your face. Things continue to get more aggressive, acidic vocals eating through steel, brutality shaking the bones inside your flesh, the carnage eventually giving way to a deep freeze. Closer “Philosophenweg” simmers in darkness before tearing open, vicious howls poking wounds and spiking your adrenaline, the sounds spiraling through an entrancing opening. The tempo then trudges and thrashes, a fiery tone making breathing nearly impossible, the growls rupturing and dragging you to a morbid finality.

The cycles in which we live likely will be a thing as long as there are people, which possibly won’t be that much longer, but that’s another story for another time. “Endless” has Modern Rites using their spacey, immersive black metal to revisit those patterns that can be positive but also can settle back into old habits from which we should have learned. The band’s progression from their debut is exciting both musically and thematically, and this album is one that can fuel your metallic appetite and also spark some thoughts on the imprint we’re leaving on history and how we can try to learn from that.

For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063570531432

To buy the album (U.S.), go here: https://debemurmorti.aisamerch.com/band/modern-rites

Or here (Europe): https://www.debemur-morti.com/en/539-modern-rites-shop

For more on the label, go here: https://www.debemur-morti.com/en/