The Pitch: A truly wicked debut from Swedish black metal trio Ultra Silvam via Shadow Records. FFO: Taake, Murg, Crimson Throne
What I Like: There are far too many black metal artists around today to cover even a fraction of them, and as such my preference tends to be towards only the most refreshing and innovative. That said, I also see value every now and then in highlighting those traditionalists out there who have risen to the top of the pack. Ultra Silvam is the latest of those groups. With a similar mixture of melodicism and abrasiveness as groups like Taake, this trio enacts the best elements of both the Swedish and Norwegian scenes. Ugly, rock-infused chord progressions alternate with jangly earworm leads in glorious celebration of darkness. Whether it's "Wings of Burial"'s bouncy dance of death or "A Skull Full Of Stars"'s deluge of Cult Of Fire-esque tremolo, The Spearwound Salvation is a parade of ravishing grimness that marches ever-forwards.
Critiques: As already implied, you're not going to get much out of this that you haven't heard a million times before.
The Verdict: Ultra Silvam may be sticking to a familiar blueprint, but the house they've built with it is sturdy as f#$k. With nary a loose screw or nail, The Spearwound Salvation puts all of the ramshackle imitators next door to shame. Malicious vocals, catchy guitars, and energetic drums; black metal mastery.
Flight's Fav's: The Spearwound Salvation, Ödesalens Uppenbarelse, Wings Of Burial
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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