Where I grew, there was a thick, yet totally walkable section of woods that became a haven during the summer time when we could find solace among the greenery. But the first snowfall (they were much thicker in these parts at that time) always sparked excitement to walk amid the inches of white, dead leaves, and branches, creating a greater connection to and admiration for nature.
Minnesota-based black metal power Canis Dirus return with a late-year gem on their fourth record “By the Grace of Death,” a force that feels like it was written expressly for chilling trips out into the wilderness. But that’s not all they have here. Their brand of black metal also breathes fire, adding a molten element to their sound that pays destructive dividends on these six cuts. That adds a monstrous new element to the band—vocalist Rob Hames, guitarist/bassist/keyboard/piano player/vocalist Todd Paulson, drummer CJ Yacoub—that already was a beast with which to be reckoned and now is operating with newfound blood thirst. On the record, they are joined by several guests including guitarist Carl Skildum (Inexorum, Majesties); vocalist Meghan Wood (Crown of Asteria); bassist/classic guitarist Mick Rotella; vocalist Damian Winter (Robes of Snow); cellist Kakophonix (Osi and the Jupiter, Hvile I Khaos); and choir singing by Gaelic Voices traditional Gaelic choir.
“Once Cursed Path Glistens in the Sun” gusts in, a black metal storm that warps and ravages, shrieks tearing into sanity as synth glistens. Sootiness becomes a factor as wild yells and screams unite, and then calm arrives, letting a hazy cloud coverage thicken. The band ravages anew, cymbals crushing, guitars gathering, and the keys blending in to create mystical carnage. “Tongues That Speak Ill” is ominous with burly howls, speedy guitars, and a rumbling that moves the earth. The playing takes on a hurricane force, the growls gutting as the guitars melt rock, igniting as everything defaces all of humanity, a synth glow providing the first layer of healing. “A Forlorn Hymn to Absolution” feels folkish as guitars are plucked, strings layer, and an elegant glaze stretches. Wordless calls chill as acoustics push through lushly, a rustic spirit chased into the night.
“Vultures Whisper” is fiery, leads adding to the steaming front, howls scraping as ice collecting on the wings. The crunching continues as things get even more sweltering, the vocals devastating as strings glide, and wordless, wild cries calling, the playing fully sending seismic waves. The emotions hit a high point, slashing and dashing, simmering to a bone-shaking close. “Cast My Heart in Stone” is a quick instrumental, strings and lush melodies melding, swimming into the darkness at the horizon. Closer “The Mind Sees What the Eyes Cannot” fully comes unglued, howls destroying as the metallic energy jolts with electricity. The ferocity settles as eerie tones give a pause to the madness, the moodiness spreading as guitars spill richer tones, key lathering, and last of the fires fading.
Canis Dirus’ atmospheric black metal can run hot and cold, meaning at one moment your flesh is being torched mercilessly, and in the next, you’re fighting hypothermia with their wintry force. “By the Grace of Death” is the year’s final must-hear record, one that sadly falls under the radar for so many people who have closed the book on 2024. This one comes knocking with a force and tenacity you cannot ignore, and it is sure to breathe its fullest life during the upcoming winter months.
For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563458381306
To buy the album, go here: https://shop.bindrunerecordings.com/
For more on the label, go here: https://www.facebook.com/bindrunerecordings
Meat Mead Metal 