BLACK ALTAR / KIRKEBRANN: Deus Inversus (Split Review)

Black Altar / Kirkebrann - Deus Inversus
Release date: 30/7/2020
Label: Odium Records
By: X.K


These two underground black metal assemblies have gathered seven special tracks with a lot of potential. Polish Black Altar opens with three highly evocative songs that seem to be the absolute climax for this split. These three tracks are formed as if they were to leak it themselves, but with that being said... I mean one of the songs is even called 'Outro'... Quickly looking at the lineup, they have collected this dynamic and robust group that offers the original members T.R., Mauser (ex-Vader) on bass, and Shadow. This time adding Lars Broddesson (Funeral Mist, ex-Marduk) on drums to the package.

Once you listen through the first part and turns to the four Kirkebrann tracks, you immediately hear each characteristic feature that both of these groups provide and how separate they are production-wise. Black Altar is very experimental and at most times obscure. They are well-known for collaborating with other black metal bands, but for myself, I have always had an absolute affection for the latest record "Death Fanaticism" from 2008, which would never leave my collection. On "Deus Inversus", I hear the inspiration that Lars Broddesson has brought into the picture and that his Funeral Mist-desire gives some personality. The occult that has been within Black Altar's soundscape works once again, these tracks cover all needs, as the opening, majestic feel is highly produced and over the top demonic. Every high pitched scream and vocal arrangements are some of the highlights, definitely haunting! 'Ancient Warlust' even displays head-banging points along with catchy sections. As for the closure, a massive atmospheric, dark, and ambient two minutes takes the lead through an unknown and mysterious path.

Black Altar

Kirkebrann, on the other hand, provides us with one more track, and as they have a more squared black metal sound, my pulse just went from a hundred to fifty, in comparison with the first half of the split. It has been approximately five years since we have heard anything new from these Norwegians and after their debut "Når alt dør" in 2013, I've been hearing some great detail through their recent releases. The Norwegian black metal pattern in their music is clear, but some depressive aspects also take a role and that is why I have stuck following them.

Kirkebrann

With their part of the split, I had to come back for some rounds of listening, and I must confess; it did not win me over entirely. I would best describe these as rocking, thrash-riffing, sinister tracks that flows by so fast, as if it was only three. 'Begrensa Bevissthet' and 'Faux Pas' could have been one as they perform alike throughout. Of course, there are some outstanding black'n'roll riffs here and there, but the pace is far to monotonous for my taste. Third offering 'Et Nederlag' takes us back to what Kirkebrann has been all about. That abnormal depth that lays within the pace combined with some pure Norwegian guitar transitions that feature the somber dark vocals. At last, the split ends with an acoustic play that is very misplaced, but dang beautiful.


Overall, I have given all my points to the first side of the split. I have no words to describe the beautiful painful scream that opens this record and the soul-touching feel that comes with their massive occult devilish performance. 

I give this album
Out of 6

Favorite tracks: Deus Inversus, Ancient Warlust, Et Nederlag

Tracklist:
1. Black Altar - Deus Inversus
2. Black Altar - Ancient Warlust
3. Black Altar - Outro
4. Kirkebrann - Begrensa Bevissthet
5. Kirkebrann - Faux Pas
6. Kirkebrann - Et Nederlag
7. Kirkebrann - Ufødte Klarhet


Black Altar Bandcamp:
https://blackaltar.bandcamp.com/

 Black Altar Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/blackaltar

Kirkebrann Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Kirkebrann/
Odium Records Website:
https://www.odiumrex.com/

 Odium Records Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/OdiumRex/




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