Polish band, Entropia, debuted on the scene initially with Vesper in 2013. While there is currently a girth of bands in the style right now, few blend black metal and post-rock so effectively and without pretension. Reportedly inspired by "journeys deep into their own consciousness," the band has shared the stage with acts such as Mayhem, Altar of Plagues and Minsk. Their latest album is entitled Ufonaut, which is basically a receptacle for holy water by my understanding. You might need some before pressing play.
What works so well for Entropia is the union of a firm black metal foundation with the other elements. Even stripped bare of any innovation, Ufonaut would still be an impressive gut-punch. The layers of savage tremolos are increbibly powerful, evoking everything from fire and brimstone to floating amongs the clouds in the moonlight. Tracks like "Paradox" pummel you with incredibly energetic drumming in the form of blastbeats, double bass, and righteous fills. The performance is very much alive in its variation as opposed to typical studio-driven cut and pasting.
And the vocals...equally vicious. While there are plenty of post-metal additions to this album, the vox are not one of them. Expect sheer, grim black metal attacks with just a hint of delay effect, similar to ZOM but without the death metal influence. All of these elements alond justify you listening, but where Entropia put a stamp on their own sound is with the addition of a some atypical electronic approaches, a few surprise instruments, and taking the group to epic, melodic heights as on closing track, "Veritas." And it's all without gimmick. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a good sax solo thrown into a black metal track, but it's not like that with this album. Additions are simple, tasteful, and a little difficult to describe: and yet they add up to something that is paramount to hearing it and saying "this is an Entropia album."
While I might recommend Ufonaut particularly to fans of acts like Vattnet Viskar, Bosse de Nage, and perhaps Deafheaven; I see no reason why those wanting something a little harsher wouldn't be satisfied either. Considering the bands these guys tour with, I might even be a little hesitant to bring any of your more "hipster" friends along. No disrespect to post-black, but most of those guys may not have the violence of "Fractals" in them. Leave it to Poland to get it right. The album is out today and you can stream it in full as well as purchase the album by clicking or following the link below.
