Finland’s dark duo find their way through the Black Metal haze on debut album
If you were the horror punk legends Misfits then a 30 minute album would most likely consist of around 14 or 15 tracks. Finland’s newest Black Metal creation Atrum Tempestas fill their debut album with a paltry three tracks. That said, it’s not the quantity that counts…..
Like many bands who stand under the Black Metal umbrella the ethereal quality and soundscapes are the most vital ingredient. It’s occasionally threatens but it in the main it’s an album of bleak but atmospheric tones. Not too dissimilar from taking a walk through the woods at midnight in mid-winter. The duo, whom came together in 2007, are made up of Perttunen (Drums/Bass) and Kylmäaho (Guitars), the vocals are shared between them. Perttunen can also be found providing vocals for the Finnish Melodic Death/Gothic metallers Catamenia.
Reminiscent at times of bands such as Altar Of Plagues, Agalloch, Alcest etc., it’s a mid-paced affair with the odd spoken word trails leading to a mix of traditional Black Metal squeals and Death Metal growls. The duo, made up of Perttunen (Drums/Bass) and Kylmäaho (Guitars), the vocals are shared between them. Perttunen can also be found providing vocals for the Finnish Melodic Death/Gothic metallers Catamenia.
Each track has it’s own identity be it the heavy opener “Quitter ceux qui étaient déja partis” which takes a lingering guitar riff and pushes it deep into the darkness. At 14 minutes it manages to hold the attention without bordering on repetition. No mean feat.
“S’éclisper” is the second of the trio and opens up with a short message about the lack of morality in the modern day. From then it’s a slow-burning crawl around the fringes of the aforementioned darkness. There is a mild post-rock vibe to accompany the track which helps to give it the intensity despite it’s rather lacklustre pace.
It’s an 11 minute “Et après….le neant” that plays the final act and continues where “S’éclisper” left off. Some nice piano work adds a slightly different dimension but the scene has already been set from the first two tracks.
At the end of the day, or night, it’s Atmospheric Black Metal, make of it what you will. It’s been done better but those who have listened to this particular sub-genre will be familiar with the music on offer here but should also find some new touches and moments that hint at a bright future for the dark duo.
Donnie Rating: 7/10
