The Pitch: Qrixkuor follows up the excellent blackened death metal opus, Three Devils Dance, with a collection of early material and rough version of a new song via Invictus Productions. FFO Malthusian, Portal, Abyssal
What I Like: More cavernous black metal atmosphere complimented by some technicality a la Deathspell Omega. For an initial foray into the scene, this is some pretty solid material. The production strikes a nice balance between being raw and reverb-heavy, but also capturing the essence of each instrument. The vocals are ominous and the guitars lecherous. Riffs seem to circle the outskirts waiting for the right moment to strike. And when that happens, the drumming does well to punctuate each attack with a sudden shift to aggressive blasts.
What I Don't Like: I think that overall this release illistrates how far the band has come in just a few years. While the material here is good, Three Devils Dance is a huge step forward in terms of both performance and songwriting. Incantations Through The Gates of Irkalla has some pace changes, sure, but not enough in the way of real building and climax. By comparison these compositions feel a little bland.
The Verdict: A solid collection of treacherous blackened death metal that despite falling short of the band's latest material is worth your attention.
Flight's Fav's: Morte Datores, Consecration of the Temple