Every time black metal seems like it can’t evolve any further, we’re all proven wrong, and some band twists the DNA to an absurd level and creates something previously unheard of in this form. Or a band manages a way to make the subgenre a little more flexible and add some colors that normally aren’t seen in this setting.

New Orleans-based Burial Gift come to mind more in the latter example as they aren’t rewriting code or anything but are finding ways to keep this style more fertile and open. They released their “MMXXV” earlier this year on their own, but Eihwaz has risen from the ashes in the final month of the year to give this a proper physical release on cassette. The band—vocalist/guitarist Ty Hebert, guitarist Sam White, bassist Nathan Bergeron, drummer Alex Babineaux—is sinister and devastating enough, but adding some sludge elements as well as other sonic deviations make this release one that should snag your attention and keep it. I’m excited to hear what this band can do with a full-length release.

“Sear” blasts open, furious melodies spewing forth, guitars surging as the vocals are mean but also kind of catchy. The murmur boils into a gazey flow, guitars cascading downward before things rip open again. Chaos spills and erupts, screams detonate, and everything disintegrates into a mist. “Elegy Azure” opens with the drums blasting, blood rushing through veins, and a surging pace that loosens screws. The tempo gets thrashier as each element fills your mind, melodies washing over you. There’s a huge burst as the guitars overflow, drums blast, and the melodies explode, feeling fiery and effusive. The energy is impossible to defeat, overwhelming in the best way, finally exiting in a perfect blanket of feedback. “Hollow Bloom” ends things, guitars echoing as vile howls ripple, a cold front gathering before jarring you where you stand. Emotional melodies flood as things go cold, the bass buzzes, and a prog-style pathway is trampled, the active centerpoint making your heart race. Soloing melts into effusive energy and colors, electricity powering every corner, howls swarming before everything combusts.

Burial Gift may be new to some (I am one of them), but after taking on “MMXXV,” you’ll likely be an easy convert to the band’s brand of black metal and atmosphere. It’s not that they’re rewriting the style of music or anything, but they bring some intangibles and other powers to plaster to this artform that gives it a huge shot in the arm. This is but their first foray into what’s possible for Burial Gift, and their future creations will be awaited with great anticipation.

For more on the band, go here: https://burialgift1.bandcamp.com/

To buy the album, go here: https://shop.eihwazrecordings.com/

For more on the label, go here: https://eihwazrecordings.bandcamp.com/