A band showing a different side of itself is something that can be incredibly refreshing for artist and listener and even provide a new pathway forward. Earlier this year, Blackwater Holylight released an EP that’s pretty different from their normal sound, and it really worked. And it makes you wonder what’s ahead with future creations.
Philly black metal heathens Unholy Altar have conjured some of the rawest, bloodiest black metal we’ve heard the past few years, but on their new EP “A Sullen Dark Sky,” we get something altogether new from them. To be clear, there still is plenty of black metal bludgeoning here, but also infused is extra atmosphere and more delicate parts that provide a streak of beauty through the blood. Make no mistake, the band—vocalist Desecrator, vocalist/guitarist Miserer, guitarist Evoked Damnator, bassist Cadaver, drummer Lucifer’s Rage—hasn’t left their chaotic ways behind at all, but they do put more textures into the mix that could be a one-off idea or a first step toward adding different colors to their incantations.
“Intro” gives an early indication that the mood has changed a bit as eerie tones stretch, bells chimes, and wordless calls sit back in the shadows, clean singing feeling like parts of a dream. Sounds hang in the air, feeling disorienting before leaning into “Judas Iscariot” that begins reflectively before howls begin to maim. Shrieks corrode as a melodic gush floods, the ambiance feeling strangely infectious. Growls then bruise as the power reaches into your guts, mesmerizing before bleeding into “Heathen” that is mauling and mashing from the start. Vicious screams hammer as feral speed takes hold, leading to a sickening fury that strangles with malice. “Descent” has melodic riffs and a punchiness that blackens eyes, hypnotic guitars layering psychosis as if from some illicit syrup. The playing cools off a bit as guitars glimmer, howls lurch, and the final moments leave charred ends, heading into “Outro” that feels instantly fantastical. Haunting whispers cloud your mind, bristling chants welcome “the mother of harlots and abominations,” and then everything suddenly zaps into nonexistence.
Unholy Altar already have proved what they can do with raw, bloody black metal, and this EP “A Sullen Dark Sky” shows a different side of their creativity and madness. A combination of their ferocity and more dreamlike tendencies might make for one hell of a second LP, bleeding both worlds together. If this is just a quick spark of experimentation, it stands as proof they’re ambidextrous musically and always can pull out these skills when we least expect them.
For more on the band, go here: https://unholyaltar666.bandcamp.com/
To buy the album, go here: https://unholyaltar666.bandcamp.com/album/a-sullen-dark-sky-2
For more on the label, go here: https://fiadh.bandcamp.com/
Meat Mead Metal 