The Pitch: The debut album from German black metal band, The Spirit, via Eternal Echoes. “Every note on this album comes from the bottom of our hearts. Created with high passion, we captured the fire that burns in us to transform it into the Sounds from the Vortex.“ FFO: UADA, Mgla, Pale Chalice
What I Like: If you enjoyed UADA's excellent debut a while back then The Spirit should be right up your alley. The album opens with a similar approach to guitar tremolos; fiery melodies that feel totally epic in scope and evoke a certain timeless pagan/folk imagery. These form a recurring foundational element of Sounds from the Vortex, but they are balanced with influences from other black metal styles as well. Riffs recall everyone from Inquisition and Immortal to Outre and Blaze of Perdition. This subtle variation keeps the album engaging, and allows the band to pull off lengthier compositions like the excellent "The Clouds Of Damnation." Furthermore, the power and presence of both the drumming and vocal delivery are intensely gripping. The bass drum and toms echo into infinity as the grim croaks of the frontman seem to recall both Tribulation and Taake at once.
Critiques: Pretty typical modern black metal. The Spirit aren't saying anything new, but if we're initiating new blood to carry the torch of bands that are aging out, count these guys in.
The Verdict: Sounds from the Vortex is an above-average entry into the standard black metal genre. Thanks to all-around solid performances, stirring guitar hooks, and focusing attention on just seven strong compositions; The Spirit have certainly put their best foot forward. Pick it up later this week.
Flight's Fav's: Cosmic Fear, The Clouds of Damnation, The Great Mortality
-Review by FlightOfIcarus
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