Many of us are fixated with the end, whatever that may be, for humankind. It’s not terribly far-fetched to think we might be living in the final generations of humans as people actively work against the environment and tip the scales of equality to a point that will become unlivable for people in an increasingly hostile society. Maybe the end won’t be so bad.
Lhaäd is a project helmed by Lykormas that, also, appears to be at its end. With the arrival of third full-length “Beyond,” the trilogy that began with 2021’s “Below” and continued into last year’s “Beneath,” could be over, according to its creator. Or at least for the foreseeable future. So, it’s not surprising that this potentially final record lets loose all the heaviness and spaciousness, pounding with energy and precision, delving into a mysterious future that provides no answers, and at this point, no security either. Lykormas maintains the project’s deep ties to the depths of the ocean, and it feels like you’re miles under the surface, mingling with horrifying creatures one cannot imagine.
“I” begins with water bubbling, as if you’re already deeply submerged, and then the guitars surface, erupting and daring you to alter your attention. Roars wrench as the leads torpedo, rich melodies growing stronger and steadier. Shrieks shred as a spiraling, diving tempo flexes, the spirit again sinking beneath the dark depths. “II” is ominous, howls carving pathways, the charring melodies feeling like a storm is brewing overhead, melodies flooding as hypnosis takes over. Savage wails erupt as the speed becomes a greater factor, desperation overcoming the senses as the force tightens its grip, dissolving into weird sound pulses. “III” is a force from the start, synth beams cutting through the rage, driving as it builds to a towering wall of ice. Speaking slips through the clouds as strange melodies overwhelm, the colors darting to the surface, and everything comes to a battering end.
“IV” comes crashing down, the growls engorging, only to be following by sharp shrieks and melodic guitars tidal waving. Sounds collect as the noise gusts, gurgling sounds feeling like they’re taking on water, signals ricocheting deep beneath the surface, looking for signs of life. “V” has guitars rupturing, crushing as the playing pounds away, speaking creaking as the signals return and echo off inanimate objects. Howls trudge as the force ravages, black metal-style darkness pouring like barrels of ink into the sea, twisting as it thrashes away. Closer “VI” races hard, majestic power stretching as howls crush and punish, the energy leading to an explosion of strange vives. Whispers spread and are joined by speaking, guitars explode as the growls grasp for flesh, and a tingling ambiance surrounds. It’s total disorientation from here, howls smearing, fires crackling, and everything escaping under the waves as the call of, “There’s nothing beyond this world but fire,” fading soberly.
If “Beyond” truly is the end of Lhaäd, it’s a fitting ending not only to this project’s journey but for this trilogy that has enthralled us the last half decade. This last installment ties together nicely with the two records that preceded it but also leaves a rather bleak assessment of future if the final line of the record is to be believed. It’s been a harrowing, immersive journey with Lhaäd, and if the band never rises again, we have these pieces in which to bask until we also end up in whatever world awaits us from here.
For more on the band, go here: https://thenoxentity.bandcamp.com/
To buy the album, go here: https://shop.amor-fati-productions.de/en/
Or here (North America): https://entropicrecordings.bandcamp.com/
For more on the label, go here: https://www.amorfatiproductions.bandcamp.com/
Meat Mead Metal 