Wednesday, December 12, 2007

review: Spektr--Mescalyne


Spektr is a scary band. Seriously. Forget corpse paint posturing, because this is the real deal. On Mescalyne, the French duo plays an unnerving, unpredictable style of black metal that intertwines samples and ambient noise with shrill guitars and throbbing drums. Rather than constantly pounding the listener into submission with blast beats, drummer “kl.K” (as he’s billed in the liner notes) actually grooves. Likewise, the guitars aren’t the heaviest you’ll hear this year, but their tone is distinctive and exceptionally creepy. The emphasis on atmosphere (but not hokey theatrics) perfectly creates a cold, mournful vibe, so when the metal does explode at full blast, its impact is undeniable. Despite its unorthodox approach, Mescalyne is a surprisingly accessible record, grabbing the listener with discernible (if heavy—and strange) guitar melodies. And clocking in at only 23 minutes, Spektr’s latest leaves you wanting more from these burgeoning black metal masters.

Spektr
Mescalyne
Moribund Records

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