(Moribund Records) Total Time: 72:30
I have this thing for one man bands; having thoroughly enjoyed releases from VINTERSORG, MORTIIS' ambient stuff, FALKENBACH and many more, I was very keen to see what Wrest, the figure behind LEVIATHAN, would have to offer, hentai references aside (I mean, come on, “tentacles of whorror”?). “Tentacles of Whorror” is LEVIATHAN's second release – and my first experience with the band. Having not been impressed with black metal from the United States before, I gave it a very quick and superficial listen – I was not impressed – bad (very black metal) production, vocals that sound like a screeching cat inside a metal pot, typical melodies, etc. But there was one song that really caught my attention, “Vexed and Vomit Hexed” (great title, i know). I suddenly wondered whether I was listening to Black Metal, or GODSPEED YOU BLACK EMPEROR – the track was very experimental, very melodic and very unexpected. Since making that remark, I've been listening quite closely to this release, from a band the press release of which claims that they are leading the “new revival wave of true black metal” (btw, I really hate “true” music – True, usually translates to lack of thought and innovation).
“Tentacles of Whorror” is a very interesting release. Ranging from DARKTHRONE-like black metal, to BURZUM-dark ambient, all along with post-rock (GODSPEED YOU BLACK EMPEROR, A SILVER MOUNT ZION and even IN THE WOODS... (RIP)) and minimal electro influences, LEVIATHAN present a release that is quite varied and very difficult to listen to; in fact you'd really be excused to completely dismiss it when first listening to it. Songs are long, eventful and full of emotion and a very dark atmosphere. Quite a few songs are dominated by WRETH's less than charming (but very “true” black metal) voice, but there are also a lot of instrumental parts which use acoustic guitars, keyboards and the usual assortment of black metal instruments..
Overall, this is quite an interesting release – worth listening to if you're interested in progressive black metal (DODHEIMSGARD anyone?). Shame about the song title names though...
